Chillon Castle

Veytaux, Switzerland, Switzerland

---

Château de Chillon is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles, located on a rocky island at the eastern end of Lake Geneva in Veytaux, canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Originally an 11th-century donjon built to control Alpine trade routes like the Great St. Bernard Pass, it served as the Counts of Savoy's residence and toll station from the 12th century, with major expansions in the 13th century under Peter II featuring grand halls, courtyards, and a chapel with frescoes.

Captured by Bernese forces in 1536, it later inspired Lord Byron's poem about prisoner Bonivard and now attracts over 400,000 visitors yearly as a museum showcasing feudal life amid stunning lakeside views.