The Chillon Castle has been around for over 1000 years. The castle that exists today is a medieval style castle that was built in the thirteenth century, on the site of a castle built in the ninth century. Its’ first use is believed to be that of a strategic post for Roman soldiers during the early Middle Ages. The foundation of the current castle was built by the bishops of the Sion and Rhone valley during the eleventh century. The first writing about this castle appeared in 1160, and it was at that time that the castle came under siege and was captured
Chateau de Chillon is best known for its location. It is located on an island in Lake Geneva (Lake Leman). It has been built in the most strategic place on Lake Geneva’s northern shore. Lake Geneva grants access to France, northern Italy and western Switzerland. The castle has been placed where the foothills from the Bernese Alps lead down to Lake Geneva, which leaves only a small path along its shores. This is ideal for the castle because it gave the ruler of the castle control of the lake passage, as well as the road passage. The castle is by one of the most important trade and military routes of the time. The castle could only be accessed by a bridge that leads to the gatehouse.