I live in Lausanne, Switzerland and was asked if there're any castles in the area. "Is the Pope catholic?, I replied. More than two dozen dot the landscape. This is Chillon Castle, the most visited historical monument in Switzerland and, one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe. Built on a speck of an island in Lake Geneva, Chillon dates back to the 13th century.
For centuries the only way into the castle was via a drawbridge. Now, there's a covered entry.
The waters of Lake Geneva provide a natural moat.
This is Vufflens Castle. This medieval beauty overlooking vineyards was built between 1420-1430.
Vufflens Castle overlooks Lake Geneva and is privately-owned, In other words a family lives here.
Oron Castle dates back to the 13th century and overlooks the town of Oron.
The entrance gate to Oron Castle.
Backside to Oron Castle. Since 1936 it's been owned by a conservation association.
St. Barthelemy Castle is hidden away out in the farmland.
It's owned by Fondation St. Barthelemy and the complex house adults with intellectual and/or psychological disabilities
Backside view of St. Bathelemy Castle
In the highest point in central Lausanne stands St. Maire Castle. Built between 1397-1425 by the Bishops of Lausanne and served as their fortified residence. However, in 1536 Bern captured Lausanne and booted out the bishop--who moved to a splendid palace a bit down the hill.
Backside of Saint-Marie Castle. Since 1803 it has been the seat of the cantonal government in Canton Vaud. In the USA we have states, in Switzerland there're called cantons.
