The majesty of Switzerland is reflected in the historic and awe inspiring
castles in Geneva. Of the various magnificent castles in the country, the Geneva canton has 10. The historical Château de Chillon, situated near Lake Geneva, features as one of the primary Geneva attractions.
Château de Chillon is built of separate constructed structures, altogether 25 in number. The oldest construction bodies were established in the first millennium. The castle is an exponent of the Roman and the Gothic architectural patterns. Renovation and completion of the castle was done in the 13th century under the patronage of Count Peter II of Savoy.
The castle is strategically built on the Great St Bernard Pass, an important trade route to Italy. Situated on a rocky islet, the fortifications of the castle prevented encroachments from external forces. Formerly used as a residence, the protectorate of Château de Chillon was abandoned and exposed to ruins. It was later renovated and opened for public viewing. The interiors of the castle houses antiquities like weapons, tin and wooden objects and archaeological artifacts. The beauty of the castle has been an inspiration for the romantic poet, Lord Byron who created The Prisoner of Chillon in this setting.
The French writer and philosopher, Voltaire took the Château of Tournay on lease in the year 1756 to utilize the castle for his theatrical productions. However, pressurized by the Calvinists in Geneva, Voltaire had to relinquish the idea and discontinued his theatrical practices in the country. He moved from Château of Tournay to settle in Ferney in France.
While most of the castles in Geneva were built in the 15th century, some of them exist from the 12th and the 13th century. The castles at Geneva retain the old world charm and the grandiosity of the bygone era.
