La Sarraz Castle, La Sarraz, Switzerland

Built in 1049 on a rocky spur between Morges and Yverdon-les-Bains, La Sarraz Castle dominates the Vaudois countryside. Now a museum, it includes a collection of valuable objects acquired over the centuries by the generations of La Sarraz barons.

From its construction until it was turned into a museum, La Sarraz Castle has always belonged to the barons of La Sarraz, unlike the majority of castles that pass from hand to hand. The fact that it still looks like a family home, decorated with furniture and works of art acquired over centuries, makes it a fascinating place to visit.

The interior expresses the ambiance and taste of generations of a patrician family. Precious furniture, silverware and rare china testify to a sophisticated dining style. These historic rooms can be rented for receptions, celebrations, balls and weddings.In 1982, equestrian enthusiasts opened the Musée du Cheval in this historic setting. The collection includes Napoleon 1st’s saddles, the Grimsel mail coach and sculptures of horses, along with a presentation of the work of the farrier or veterinarian.

References:

Lake Geneva Region

User Reviews

Arun Kumar (12 months ago)
Nice old castle on the lake front. Great to combine with tulip garden visit and stroll on the promenade on lake.

Doronin (2 years ago)
1000 years of live history

Elitsa Lozanova (2 years ago)
5 reasons to visit Sarraz castle in Switzerland: 1. Looks like a family home - decorated with works of art and furniture collected by the generations of La Sarraz barons. 2. Fun «The key to the castle is yours » system with talking portraits;) 3. Perfect location for one-day trip from Lausanne or Geneva 4. Easy to combine with the Horse museum (next building) and Romainmôtier Abbey 5. Ticket of CHF 13.00 / CHF 5.00 for children (6 to 16 years)

龍宇森 (5 years ago)
Amazing castle with a romantic garden. Someone was organising wedding there when we visited. A great starting point for hiking passing through the lovely town La Sarraz all the way to Tine de Conflens. Standing on the terrace of the garden, one can see the railway coming out from a tunnel with cultivated fields and grass alongside. Did not visit the museum so cannot make a comment. Maybe they should set up a plaque briefly introducing the castle for those visitors who cannot enter and see the museum.

Craig Tallentire (8 years ago)
Pretty little castle

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

La Sarraz Castle

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