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Tourbillon Castle

Tourbillon Castle is a medieval castle ruin in Sion, Switzerland, perched on a rock overlooking the old town. Built around 1300 as the main residence of the Prince-Bishop of Sion, it was destroyed by fire in 1788 and never rebuilt. Visitors can explore the consolidated ruins, including the chapel with its 14th-century murals and the sacristy displaying 15th-century painting fragments. The site also offers 3D models and virtual reconstructions showing the castle before the fire.

Families and Kids

The castle ruins can be explored by families, but the site is primarily a historic monument with no specific children's activities mentioned. The rocky path and ruins may be less suitable for very young children.

Information

  • Visit duration: 60min
  • Free entrance: Yes
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Ruins
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18

Opening hours

Open daily from 11:00 to 17:00 from 15 March to 30 April, from 10:00 to 18:00 from 1 May to 30 September, and from 11:00 to 17:00 from 1 October to 15 November. Closed from 16 November to 14 March.
Monday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)
Tuesday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)
Wednesday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)
Thursday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)
Friday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)
Saturday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)
Sunday
11:00-17:00 (15 March to 30 April)
10:00-18:00 (1 May to 30 September)
11:00-17:00 (1 October to 15 November)

Admission fees

0 CHF
Adult admission

Contact

Webpage
tourbillon.ch
Email
chateau-de-tourbillon@bluewin.ch
Address
1950 Sion

Access

Nearby stops

  • Sion, Nord1000 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Sion
8m
Martigny
23m
Brig
44m
Thun
1h 16m
Lausanne
1h 17m

FAQ

  • How do I reach the castle on foot?
    Pedestrian access is from Place Maurice-Zermatten via a narrow, rocky path, which takes about 15 minutes. If arriving by car, use the Parking de la Cible or Parking du Nord, as Rue des Châteaux is closed to traffic.
  • Are guided tours available and how do I join one?
    Yes, guided tours are offered during the opening season. You can present yourself at the 'meeting point for guided tours' sign to the right of the castle entrance, or book by phone at +41 27 322 52 00 or by email at chateau-de-tourbillon@bluewin.ch.
  • What can I see at the castle ruins?
    Visitors can explore the palace, staircase, chapel, sacristy, flanking tower, garrison, water tank and corner tower. The chapel displays a 14th-century mural cycle in the choir, and the former sacristy presents fragments of the mid-15th-century pictorial cycle.
  • Are there 3D models or virtual reconstructions available?
    Yes, the website offers 3D models and a virtual reconstruction video showing what Tourbillon Castle looked like before the fire of 1788, including the old sentry walk and the paintings in the chapel. Further information is available on the Valais Wallis Time Machine website.
  • Is the castle open all year round?
    No, the castle is closed from 16 November to 14 March. It is open from 15 March to 15 November, with varying hours depending on the season.