Tourbillon Castle

En un regard

Le château en bref

Tourbillon Castle is a ruined episcopal castle situated on a hill in Sion, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It faces Valère Castle, which stands on the opposite hill. Its construction dates back to the late 13th century, under the direction of Bishop Boniface of Challant. Defensive in nature and perched on the summit of a steep, rocky hill, the fortress served as the residence of the bishops of Sion. Tourbillon Castle was considerably damaged by conflicts between the bishops and the people of Valais. It was set on fire in 1417 during a war between the people of Sion and the House of Rarogne, and was then rebuilt by Bishop William III of Rarogne some thirty years later. In 1788, it was completely destroyed by another fire. The stones of Tourbillon Castle were used for a time in buildings across the region before the ruins were consolidated in the 19th century to turn them into a historic monument. The castle is largely protected by nature, by the very steep terrain surrounding it. Accessible only from the east or the west, it consists of a courtyard protected by enclosing walls. The castle has a keep, its own chapel and a building for the garrison.