Saint-Mer


"Inaccessibility" and "strength" - these two words describe the Château Saint-Maire, located in Lausanne . This massive gray building was erected on the hill of the Shite in the troubled Middle Ages, which could not but be reflected in its external appearance. But let's talk about everything in order.

History of Saint-Mer

Everything began in the spring of 1396. Then Bishop Wilhelm of Menton was allowed to build a fortress on the site of the monastery of St. Mary, which was supposed to protect the bishops. The only thing that the castle inherited from its predecessor-monastery was the name - Saint-Mer. The construction of the castle lasted from the late 14th century to the middle of the 15th century. Since that time, all sorts of metamorphosis took place with the castle. For example, at the end of the 18th century an outbuilding was attached to it from the west side. Then the lobby appeared, but the suspension bridge was removed.

At the beginning of the XVI century, a large-scale reconstruction of the castle was carried out: the Episcopal Hall and the prison were established. And these were not the last changes in the life of the castle. The residence of the bishops was the castle until 1536, until it was captured by the Bernese troops. Since then, the fortress has become the home of the Bernese governor and a warehouse for weapons. In 1811, the Small Council, the body administering the canton of Vaud, moved there. At the moment the fortress is the seat of the Council of the Canton of Vaud, therefore it is impossible to examine it from within.

Features of architecture

The building of the castle Saint-Mer is a rectangle, the lower part of which is made of light blocks, and the upper floor is made of red brick. The highest part reaches 25 meters.

The interior of one of the most beautiful Swiss castles is in many ways modern, but there are halls that have preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages. From the ancient elements of the decor there are frescoes of the 16th century adorning the walls of the corridor on the first floor. They depicted in allegorical form various virtues, revered in the Middle Ages, honor, eloquence, fidelity and others. Separate attention deserves and the bishop's room, located on the second floor. There is a magnificent fireplace, decorated with gothic stucco.

Helpful information

You can get to the castle by taking the bus number 7, 22, 60, 8, 16 to the Tunnel stop. You can inspect the lock from the outside at any time. Not far away are cheap hotels and restaurants of Swiss cuisine , where you can eat delicious .