Gruyères Castle, Gruyères, Switzerland

The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Robin explains! (4 months ago)
Parking is not free (at least wasn't when I was there). The castle is very well kept and really entertaining. The art exhibition is disappointing but easy to skip. The town just outside the castle is very nice as well. If you're into history and nice views I would recommend it. Not really accessible for handicapped people though.

George Roberts (7 months ago)
So worth taking a detour to visit. There is a lot of parking, although it looks like it gets really busy in the summer, so parking at the bottom of the hill and walking the 5 minutes up might be necessary. The place is absolutely stunning, with amazing restaurants (serving lots of cheese of course).

T M (8 months ago)
Enjoyed our trip to this beautiful castle even more than I thought I would, a fantastic experience on all levels. Lots to see and do, beautiful rooms with fascinating artifacts around every corner. A must do during your visit to this beautiful little medieval village!

Rashed Alhosani (12 months ago)
The castle has a unique and beautiful design which makes it a unique landmark in the area. In addition, the castle also contains a rich history that can be learned inside the castle. I’ve visited this castle in December and it was during the weekend. The main problem with this place is path which takes you to the entrance of the village. Going up and Down the path might be difficult to some people. During the winter season, the path can be covered with ice which might lead to someone to slip while walking downwards. It almost happened to me but thankfully I managed to not slip. I’d highly recommend visiting this castle during less crowded times.

Svetlomir Damyanov (2 years ago)
Do not miss this place in Gruyeres.

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Les Invalides is a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building"s original purpose. The buildings house the Musée de l"Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d"Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the burial site for some of France"s war heroes, notably Napoleon Bonaparte.

Louis XIV initiated the project in 1670, as a home and hospital for aged and unwell soldiers: the name is a shortened form of hôpital des invalides. The architect of Les Invalides was Libéral Bruant. The enlarged project was completed in 1676, the river front measured 196 metres and the complex had fifteen courtyards. Jules Hardouin Mansart assisted the aged Bruant, and the chapel was finished in 1679 to Bruant"s designs after the elder architect"s death.

Shortly after the veterans" chapel was completed, Louis XIV commissioned Mansart to construct a separate private royal chapel referred to as the Église du Dôme from its most striking feature. Inspired by St. Peter"s Basilica in Rome, the original for all Baroque domes, it is one of the triumphs of French Baroque architecture. The domed chapel is centrally placed to dominate the court of honour. It was finished in 1708.

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