Locks of Switzerland

Many believe that Switzerland is a country of reliable banks and quality hours. In fact, the symbol of Switzerland are its medieval castles. According to some reports, there are about 1000 fortresses on the territory of the country. Even it is difficult to imagine that in such a small country as Switzerland, there can be placed so many large and majestic structures. And most interesting, they are all in excellent condition and receive hundreds of tourists every day. To visit all the castles, one vacation is not enough, because every excursion is a plunge into the epoch of the feudal, aristocratic and monarchical order of this European country.

The most beautiful castles in Switzerland

All Swiss castles are unique and interesting in their own way. Each of them embodies the luxury, wealth and design extravagance of the Middle Ages. The main advantage of these facilities is the locality in which they are located. In the middle of alpine meadows and pine forests spread ancient monolithic structures. One of the castles of Switzerland is high in the Swiss Alps , the other - on a rocky island, the third - over the Rhine waterfall . It is the beauty of the surrounding nature and the rich history that makes excursions to these castles interesting and fascinating.

If you were lucky enough to be in Switzerland during the summer season, then do not miss the opportunity to visit the following castles:

1. Chillon Castle in Switzerland, located on the shores of Lake Geneva , was built in the middle of the XII century, but in the XVI century it was transformed into a prison, the most famous prisoner of which was the monk Francois Bonivar. The life story of this monk inspired the famous poet Byron to write the poem "The Chillon Prisoner". The poet himself once visited the castle and cut out his autograph on one of the trees.
2. Laufen Castle with a waterfall in Switzerland is a famous building located on the banks of the Rhine directly above the famous Rhine Falls. Every year on July 31, a fireworks festival is held here and thousands of lights illuminate this picturesque place.
3. One of the most picturesque places in Switzerland is the castle Aigle . It is surrounded by dozens of vineyards, on which the best Swiss wine is made. It is for this reason that the Vine and Wine Museum is located in the castle of Aigle.
4. Equally interesting and beautiful is the Gruyère Castle in Switzerland. Like all castles, it has a long and intricate history. The atmosphere of the ancient times has been preserved to this day. Therefore, being in this place, does not let go the feeling that you yourself are a representative of medieval Europe.

Traveling in Switzerland , be sure to visit the Bellinzona castle group. In 2000, this historic building was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Fund. This fortification consists of three medieval castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, Sasso-Corbaro .

Castle Castelgrande (Switzerland) is located on a rocky summit, as if hanging over the valley. From it depart the stone walls, which lead directly to the castle of Montebello , which is considered one of the oldest buildings in Switzerland. Today it has become a wonderful site for the historical and archaeological museum. The third member of the Bellinzona group is Sasso-Corbaro Castle . It is on a high hill, so it used to be often struck by lightning. Despite the fact that the exterior walls of the structure are perfectly preserved, there are no medieval buildings inside it.

The season of excursions in Swiss castles opens on April 1st. In winter, the buildings are closed, but you can visit the park near Lugano , in which all the sights of Switzerland are depicted on a scale of 1:25.