Lucens Castle

Lucens, Switzerland

Lucens Castle's strategic location allowed it to control the Broye valley, which was an important transit corridor. Starting in the Middle Ages and until 1536 it was a residence of the Bishop of Lausanne and served to control the Bishop's land in the Broye valley. During the 12th century, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. In 1476, it was destroyed by the Swiss Confederation. In 1536 the valley and the surrounding territory were conquered by Bern. It became the seat of a Bernese bailiwick at the same time. In 1542, the vogt of Moudon moved into the castle.

The castle was enlarged between 1579–86 and served as an arsenal and fortress on the border to Fribourg. In 1798, the Bernese were forced out and the Canton of Léman was formed. Shortly thereafter, the castle became the property of Canton, who sold it 1801 to private individuals. In 1925, it was converted into a Swiss Reformed institute for girls. Between 1965-70, it was the seat of the Conan Doyle Foundation, and is now in private hands.

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Address

Le Château, Lucens, Switzerland
See all sites in Lucens

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

More Information

www.chateaudelucens.ch
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Romont Castle (6,5 km)


Chillon Castle (33,7 km)
Palais de Rumine (25,9 km)
Lausanne Historical Museum (26 km)
Lausanne Cathedral (26 km)
Gruyères Castle (23,5 km)
Morges Castle (34,5 km)
Fribourg Cathedral (27,1 km)
Olympic Museum (27,3 km)
Saint-Maire Castle (25,7 km)

User Reviews

Philibert Barelli (4 months ago)
If you are looking for an atypical, magical place, full of history, in Switzerland, it is likely that the Lucens castle will match your search. Perched on top of a hill, the castle overlooks the village of Lucens and offers a magnificent view of the region. The old rooms have kept their old charm and rain or shine, there are many possibilities to organize your event as well as possible. Joël will welcome you with a smile and will know how to best advise you so that your day remains unforgettable!
Anaïs Hendrik (4 months ago)
A huge thank you to Joël for his kindness in view of our wedding. I advise everyone who wishes to have a break from life to organize their event in this exceptional place. My marriage was celebrated on 19.09.2020
Ross Heaney (7 months ago)
Beautiful castle from the distance! However just to be warned it’s actually private property, so it’s not touristy but there are events and I think you can stay there if you book a room. Lovely views from Lucens anyway!
Eichmann Veronique (2 years ago)
Dommage il ne peut pas être visiter, c'est du domaine privé
michel p (2 years ago)
Great place to rent for celebrations
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Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends. One of them narrates the origin of the name of castle derived from that of jester Becko for whom the Duke Stibor had the castle built.

Another legend has it that the lord of the castle had his servant thrown down from the rock because he protected his child from the lords favourite dog. Before his death, the servant pronounced a curse saying that they would meet in a year and days time, and indeed precisely after that time the lord was bitten by a snake and fell down to the same abyss.

The well-conserved ruins of the castle, now the National Cultural Monument, are frequently visited by tourists, above all in July when the castle festival takes place. The former Ambro curia situated below the castle now shelters the exhibition of the local history.

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