|
Chillon Castle |
|
Click on the small picture to see a larger one. |
May 30, 1998 |
|
| Home Page Daily Log |
|
Built from the 11th - 13th centuries, Chillon Castle guarded the narrow area between the lake and the mountains, and collected taxes from merchants traveling through Great Saint Bernard Pass from Italy to France. It's our favorite castle. |
 |
On the first floor within the main tower, Michael inspects the barrel of a 15th century artillery piece, as Sara delightfully shows how the gun would be fired. |
 |
In the dungeon area below the castle, the foundation stones and roughed-out quarrying can be seen. We like Chillon because it is "hands on," with very few roped off areas. We get to climb around and explore on our own. |
 |
This is the gallows in the dungeon. Yes, Chillon is a well preserved representation of medieval times, and prisoners met their fate here. |
 |
Most prisoners were kept in this large room, at water level. Chillon is built on a solid 150 X 50 meter rock just off the shore of Lake Geneva, forming a natural moat. A small door to the right provides a beautiful view of the lake & mountains. |
 |
Michael latches himself to the post where Bonivard remained chained for four years (1532-1536) because of his support for Geneva independence. Lord Byron immortalized him in the poem "The Prisoner of Chillon," and signed this pillar. |
 |
The prisoners of Chillon were also tortured. Sara tries out one of the instruments for size. Notice her facial expression . . . just before snapping the picture we commented how this could be useful in child rearing. |
 |
This is the Grand Hall, used by the Governor of the castle for dining and entertainment. Without the overpowering riches and ornamentation of royalty, such as Versailles, Chillon gives the best picture of how the medieval 1st estate lived. |
 |
Chillon has a nice display of armor and fighting instruments. The cross-bow was popular here, and is available for purchase in the gift shop. There were several things Michael wanted us to pick up, but would have created airline carry-on problems. |
