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:Manarola is a small town, a frazione of the comune of Riomaggiore. It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.
Manarola may be the oldest of the towns in the Cinque Terre, with the cornerstone of the church, San Lorenzo, dating from 1338. The local dialect is Manarolese, which is marginally different from the dialects in the nearby area. The name 'Manarola' is probably a dialectical evolution of the Latin, 'magna rota'. In the Manarolese dialect this was changed to 'magna roea' which means 'large wheel', in reference to the mill wheel in the town.
Manarola's primary industries have traditionally been fishing and wine-making. The local wine, called Sciacchetrà, is especially renowned; references from Roman writings mention the high quality of the wine produced in the region.