Basilique de Valère — Attraction in Sion

The Basilique de Valère, or Basilica of Valeria, is the church located on the southern of the two castle hills on the eastern edge of the old town of Sion. It houses one of the oldest playable organs in the world, dating back to the 15th century.

The castle and basilica of Valeria, named in honor of Valeriana, the mother of the Roman city prefect Titus Campanius Priscus Maximianus, whose existence is documented in 43 AD, are located on one of the two hills that dominate the city of Sion on the eastern side of the old town. Originally built in Celtic times, the castle and church were first documented in 1049. The oldest parts of the three-aisled basilica, divided into four bays, with a transept and two chapels flanking the choir, were built between 1100 and 1130 in the High Romanesque style. Later additions included the tower above the northern transept, the polygonal window storeys above the semicircular apse, and the barrel vault above the pillars.

In the 13th century, the nave and side aisles were given a cross-rib vault, modeled on Lausanne Cathedral. The rood screen separating the choir from the nave was also added during this period. Designed as a pilgrimage church dedicated to "Our Lady of Valeria," the miraculous image, a Gothic marble statue of the Madonna and Child from the early 15th century, is the church's central feature. Today, it stands high above the high altar. Images of apostles, prophets, and local saints adorn the choir walls.

On the west wall of the nave is a Swallow's Nest organ, dating back to the 15th, perhaps even the 14th, century, making it one of the oldest playable organs in the world. It was probably built in 1435 and expanded by four stops in 1687. It fell into disuse in the 19th century. In the 1950s, the instrument was gradually revived by conservator Maurice Wenger, after experts gradually recognized the uniqueness and value of the instrument. Since 1969, it has been performed every summer as part of the International Festival for...

The construction of this medieval church started in the mid 11 hundreds and was terminated about 100 years later. It has been subject to multiple renovations over the centuries, the latest between 2016 and 2022. When walking uphill, like we did the first and beautiful Sunday of December 2024, it's easy to imagine which physical efforts went in to its construction along with the buildings to the south and west where clergymen and their pupils had their living quarters. The church was named a basilica as late as 1987. It houses the world's oldest playable organ that was ordered around 1435. When you walk up from the old town of Sion you pass by all the important museums, that we will visit in the...

The views are amazing. It is a hike to go up so probably not for those with back or leg issues. It is quite high so I chose not to walk up to the castle itself as the walk was quite intimidating but did do the walk to the church. While not the flashiest of churches there is a tranquility and serenity to the place that is felt immediately. It boasts the oldest functional organ and sitting in the pews was calming and gave me a...