Chillon Castle
★★★★☆
Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), south of Veytaux in the canton of Vaud. Chillon is amongst the most visited castles in Switzerland and Europe. According to the castle website, Chillon is listed as "Switzerland's most visited historic monument".
Chillon Castle is situated at the eastern end of the lake, on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve, which gives access to the Alpine valley of the Rhone. It began as a Roman outpost, guarding the strategic road through the Alpine passes. It was used as a defensive outpost, a prison and a munitions and weapons depot.
Chillon was made popular by Lord Byron, who wrote the poem The Prisoner Of Chillon (1816) about Francois de Bonivard. Byron also carved his name on a pillar of the dungeon. It is also known to be the inspiration behind the castle in the animated musical fantasy film The Little Mermaid.
Chillon Castle is situated at the eastern end of the lake, on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve, which gives access to the Alpine valley of the Rhone. It began as a Roman outpost, guarding the strategic road through the Alpine passes. It was used as a defensive outpost, a prison and a munitions and weapons depot.
Chillon was made popular by Lord Byron, who wrote the poem The Prisoner Of Chillon (1816) about Francois de Bonivard. Byron also carved his name on a pillar of the dungeon. It is also known to be the inspiration behind the castle in the animated musical fantasy film The Little Mermaid.