The castle of Chillon on lake Geneva!
This ancient medieval castle guarded the important Alpine pass to Italy. Since 12th century in belonged to the Counts of Savoy.
But the history of this beautiful castle situated on an idyllic lake also has a dark side...
This ancient medieval castle guarded the important Alpine pass to Italy. Since 12th century in belonged to the Counts of Savoy.
But the history of this beautiful castle situated on an idyllic lake also has a dark side...
In 16th century the powerful dukes of Savoy used the castle to house prisoners in its dungeons!
Most famous prisoner at Chillon was the Protestant reformer and opponent of Savoyards François de Bonivard who was imprisoned in 1530.
The conditions for prisoners were very poor!
Most famous prisoner at Chillon was the Protestant reformer and opponent of Savoyards François de Bonivard who was imprisoned in 1530.
The conditions for prisoners were very poor!
But he was soon freed as the castle was occupied in 1536 by Bern.
Bonivard's story was immortalized by Lord Byron's 1816 poem The Prisoner of Chillon.
The Bernese held the castle until 1798, and while they freed the prisoners, they would later use it as a prison themselves!
Bonivard's story was immortalized by Lord Byron's 1816 poem The Prisoner of Chillon.
The Bernese held the castle until 1798, and while they freed the prisoners, they would later use it as a prison themselves!
Now the well preserved and imposing castle is part of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland and a tourist attraction.
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