Chateau de Chillon – a world-famous Swiss “moated castle“ and its wine

They are both world-famous rarities – the Chateau de Chillon and the corresponding wine. But at first and above all the château or castle attracts attention and interest as a name-bearing monument with its compact appearance in the lake.

Actually this is the Lake Geneva. For building the castle foundations were laid on a rock within the lake area five kilometres to the southeast of Montreux. This alone qualifies the castle to be named Swiss “moated castle“. But only the superstructure together with the Lake Geneva and the mountain range of the hinterland represent the world-famous scene and one of the most popular photographic motifs. Looking from the outside the compact Chateau de Chillon presents itself with Cuban buildings, 13th century round towers and brick-red roofs on these elements.

Compared to the grey outer façade the inner courtyard shows a surprisingly pale masonry. The vivid character of the inner courtyard is supported by green foliage at the wall. Nowadays, the rooms inside the château serve as location for representation and festive receptions. Moreover, the living rooms and the different mural paintings represent the historical-original style. In these days they were a pleasant summer getaway for the Count of Savoyen and so still attract attention today.

Chateau de Chillon

Château de Chillon was only built and constructed for collecting customs duties in the Middle Ages. Serving as a summer getaway it has nearly lost its original meaning again. From the land it is only accessible by a wooden bridge which has substituted a drawbridge.

The wine which is extracted from the neighbouring slopes is a rarity which can only be purchased in the castle. On the other hand, preservation of the castle is financed by means of this sale. You can reach the castle by car, train, vessel, bus or even on foot along the riverside promenade in Montreux.

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