Backstory
Chillon Castle, also known as Château de Chillon, has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. Originally built as a fortress to protect the strategic trade route along Lake Geneva, the castle has served as a residence for dukes, counts, and eventually the Bernese bailiffs. Over the centuries, the castle has been renovated and expanded, resulting in a mix of architectural styles ranging from medieval to Renaissance. The castle played a key role in the political and military history of Switzerland, serving as a strategic stronghold during the Middle Ages and later as a prison for political dissidents during the 16th century. Today, Chillon Castle is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Switzerland’s cultural heritage.
What exactly happened behind Chillon castle’s thick walls?
From its very beginning, and up to the beginning of the 19th century, all of those who were found ‘unsuitable’ were imprisoned there.
Were there reasons for that at all? It is said to have been reasons, both political and religious ones, but they also kept war prisoners.
They didn’t pare women either. Many of them were tortured and burned in the castle, because it was believed they were witches.
Following an interrogation in Chillon, one of the Savoy chancellors drowned in the lake of Geneva.
Today you exist, and tomorrow you don’t… that also existed back then…
The most renowned prisoner of Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva was Francois de Bonnivard.
François de Bonnivard
François was a Swiss patriot, political activist and a historian
What would you have to be, or do, in order to deserve the imprisonment for whole six years?
Be more intelligent than the others or to be monk. To use your brain for thinking.
Those were all associations that could be connection with the prisoner François de Bonnivard.
He spent the last four years of his imprisonment in chains in the cellar of Chillon castle, able to take only a few steps.
The Haunted History of Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle is a picturesque castle located on the banks of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. While the castle is known for its stunning views and rich history, it is also said to be haunted by a number of ghosts and spirits that have been said to haunt the halls of the castle.
The castle, which was built in the 12th century, has a long and storied history. Over the years, it has been the site of many battles and has been occupied by numerous rulers and aristocrats. However, despite its many years of service, the castle has also been the site of many tragedies and deaths, which some say have left an indelible mark on the castle’s spirit.
One of the most famous ghosts of Chillon Castle is the spirit of Francois Bonivard, a political prisoner who was held captive in the castle’s dungeon for six years during the 16th century. Bonivard’s spirit is said to haunt the castle to this day, and many visitors have reported hearing his moans and groans echoing through the dungeon’s walls.
Another famous ghost of Chillon Castle is the spirit of a young girl who is said to have been murdered by her father in the castle’s courtyard. According to legend, the girl’s father was a cruel and abusive man who would often lock his daughter in a small room in the castle’s tower. One day, the girl’s father became enraged and murdered her in the courtyard. Today, visitors to the castle often report seeing the ghost of the young girl wandering the courtyard, her spirit still seeking justice for her tragic death.
Other haunted areas of the castle include the Great Hall, where the ghost of a young nobleman who was executed in the castle is said to appear, and the castle’s chapel, where the ghost of a monk who was murdered during a religious dispute is said to roam.
Despite its haunted reputation, Chillon Castle remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. Visitors from all over the world come to see the castle’s stunning architecture and learn about its rich history. While some may come hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the castle’s ghosts, others simply appreciate the beauty and majesty of this ancient structure.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying the haunted nature of Chillon Castle. From the ghost of Francois Bonivard to the tragic spirit of the young girl, the castle is steeped in history and mystery. For those brave enough to explore its halls and corridors, there is no telling what secrets and spirits they may encounter.
