Le Chateau de Chillon – Why You Must See The Chillon CastleOccupied since the Bronze Age, the site for The Chateau de Chillon has since experienced countless centuries of restorations, rebuilding, and adaptations.
Located in Switzerland along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, the castle has been mentioned in many historical periods of European times past. 
I warmly recommend visiting this remarkable sight which is located near Montreux. There are tours regularly that will help you enjoy the beauty of this building at the fullest.The oldest document mentioning the castle occurred in 1150, which stated that the House of Savoy restricted the itinerary along the shoreline of Lake Geneva via the castle. Following that, the castle was actually used as a prison, an arsenal and a fortress. "There are many other European Castles to explore, too?".
The first time I was here was about 50 years ago, when I was still a little boy and went here on a holiday with my grand parents who were living as small farmers in Chateau d’Oex. They had promised me they would take me on a train journey to Montreux and visit the castle if I would help them out on the farmhouse. What a great experience that was for a little boy! We traveled with a cogwheel train. Sure, this was not as comfortable as today's Montreux Panoramic Express, which goes from Montreux to Gstaad trough an astonishing scenery, but still it was exciting.
I was truly impressed when we arrived at the Chateau de Chillon. First of the size of the castle and especially the high ceilings. My grandfather made a joke saying that if I wouldn't behave they would keep me here. We had our lunch with us, because my grandparents were not “big earners”, but still they bought a bottle of mineral water called “Vivi Cola”, a Swiss made cola drink. Years later, when we visited this special place with my wife, son and daughter, I had a story to tell. The site chosen for this formidable castle is a rocky island making it as both a strategic location in order to be in command of the passageway between Southern and Northern Europe as well as a natural protection. Historically this is significant, as this passageway was a major trade route as well as being strategically and exceptionally important. Click here to find the best tours and boat cruises for visitors of this area. As amazing as it sounds, in 1214, not exactly a modern time period, the neighboring area to the Chateau de Chillon even boasted a tollbooth, and port facilities as well as warehouses obviously being used for the storage of goods. This is a conspicuously modern in conception, but it afforded those who controlled the Chateau de Chillon with monetary gain and downright wealth. Also, as in modern times, taxes were levied on the goods being carried through the route. Guards frequently were installed to live permanently in the castle and were awarded the job of not only guarding the castle but also they had to collect taxes and tariffs for the owners of the castle. In 1733, after the invention of firearms, the castle was found to be useless as a fortress, and it was no longer used for military reasons, but the castle was retained as storage. In 1785 it was thought that the castle could be used as a granary, but the idea was turned down due to the extreme dampness of the castle. Lord Byron wrote about the castle being used as a prison, when he penned his infamous poem, “The Prisoner of Chillon” which you, in all probability, read in high school. The years 1836-38 saw various reconstruction to the castle making it a better storage resource. Today the government owns the castle and thousands and thousands of eager tourists visit its romantic past as well as various artists who are motivated to paint there. There are also many writers who find inspiration within the walls of The Chateau of Chillon for their own masterpieces. So, there's something in it for all of us. History, romance or the inspiration to create the next world-renowned masterpiece. Don't forget seeing Montreux when visiting Chateau de Chillon Back to Top...
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