Château de Tourbillon — Attraction in Sion

Tourbillon Castle is a castle ruin located on the hill of the same name, northeast of Sion's old town. Tourbillon was built at the end of the 13th century by Bishop Boniface Challant. In 1788, the castle was destroyed by the great city fire.

Archaeological excavations show that the hill was already inhabited in the 5th millennium BC. In the Middle Ages, it served as a watchtower during times of war. This is indicated by the remains of a keep. A document from around 1270 lists the names of people who were required to man the watchtower on the hill in times of war.

The construction of the castle in its current dimensions was initiated by Bishop Boniface Challant in 1297. The building was intended to protect the city of Sion from the rebellious nobility under Peter IV of Turn.

In 1373, Bishop Gitschard Tavel acquired the "Meier's Tower," located on the western slope of the hill, and made it his main residence. In the summer and during periods of impending danger, Tourbillon Castle served as his seat.

From 1352 to 1361 and from 1384 to 1392, the Counts of Savoy occupied and administered the castle. In 1417, Tourbillon was finally conquered and partially destroyed by the Upper Valais during the Raron trade. Between 1440 and 1450, Bishop William III of Raron had the castle rebuilt on its original foundations and the castle chapel repainted.

On May 24, 1788, a hurricane-like storm swept across the Rhône Valley. At 1:00 p.m., it sparked a fire that the firefighters were unable to extinguish. Within three hours, 226 buildings fell victim to the fire, including the episcopal castles of Majoria and Tourbillon.

The complex is currently being restored and maintained by the Fondation du Château de Tourbillon. The castle ruins are open to the public from mid-March to...

First, do not count on maps to take you to the location. You can't get all the way there by car. I parked at Parking du Nord, a parking garage on Rue de Loeche. It's easy to access and has extremely clean restrooms. From there, it is 3/4 mile walk to your destination. As you clear the city buildings on your approach to this castle ruin, you'll be treated to views of Place Maurice Zermatten on the right and the ruins of 13th-century Chateau de Tourbillon ahead and left. It's a steady, uphill trek to the entrance, but nothing bad. There are a couple locations on the way that make perfect places to take photos and a break if needed. At the top, you can explore the ruins, the spring and the cistern (covered and locked, but interesting to see their only source of water during a seige), and the grounds to the rear of the building. The views, inside and outside, are wonderful. You can see for miles in all directions. Take a moment to imagine what it would have been like 800 years ago keeping an eye on the surroundings from hundreds of feet above. I went on a Monday afternoon, late March, so there were very few people the entire time (less than a dozen). There's no cost to enter. I noted that there is a guided tour offered, but was unable to stay for it. This place was a highlight on this trip and very much worth the detour to see it. There's also a great bakery on your way back to the...

Visiting Tourbillon Castle in Sion was truly a special experience. The castle stands on a high hill, and though the path up is somewhat steep, the views along the way are already remarkable. Reaching the top, I was rewarded with a breathtaking panorama that stretched over the town of Sion, the Rhône Valley, and the majestic Swiss Alps in the background—a beauty beyond words.

Walking among the ancient stone walls and the remnants of the castle, I felt transported back in time, imagining the important role this place must have played in the medieval era. While Tourbillon Castle now stands as a ruin, its architectural beauty and the harmony it shares with the surrounding natural landscape give it a unique and almost mystical charm. There’s a romance to the place, enhanced by its weathered structures and the sense of history that fills the air.

The castle offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings, and visiting in the late afternoon was especially magical. The setting sun cast a golden light over the mountains and the town, creating a scene that felt like a painting. In those quiet moments, I found myself reflecting on the lives of the people who once lived here and the history that this castle has witnessed—it was truly moving.

If you ever have a chance to visit Sion, Tourbillon Castle is an...