Medieval Castle Hill

Medieval Castle Hill is a pair of castle hills with medieval ruins at Granges, a village merged into Sierre in 1972, in the Swiss canton of Valais. The site is classed as castle ruins and an archaeological site at about 46.258 N, 7.466 E. Local sources know the place as the castles of Granges (French: châteaux de Granges).

What is this place?

Two hills rise above the village, and each carries the remains of a medieval stronghold. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland describes the site as two hills topped by three monumental towers. From here the lords watched the road crossing the Rhone plain between Sierre and Sion. What survives today are ruins, not a castle with interiors to tour.

What is the history of the Granges castles?

• The counts of Granges appear in records from the 10th century. They founded the fortified Bâtie and the walled town around it.
• Granges was the seat of a castellany that also covered Grône, Lens and Saint-Léonard. It belonged to the Holy Roman Empire until 1226, then to the bishop of Sion.
• In 1173 the lordship passed by marriage to the Corbières family, and later to families including Tavel and Rovéréa.
• In 1603 Marguerite de Rovéréa sold the castle and lordship to the burghers of Sion.
• After 1798 the castellany was split into four municipalities, and Granges joined the district of Sierre.

Of the castles held by the lords of Granges, only Goubing, southeast of Sierre, came through the turbulent 14th century intact.

What else is nearby?

Granges sits between Sierre and Sion, surrounded by Valais vineyards. In summer, walking and cycling routes cross the Rhone plain, and wine trails link the villages on the slope. The village church dates from 1891 to 1910. The family park Happyland, home to Switzerland's tallest water coaster, is also close.

When should you visit?

Spring to autumn is best, when paths are dry and the vineyards are green or golden. Combine the hills with a visit to Sierre and a stroll on a nearby wine trail.

Frequently asked questions

Is Medieval Castle Hill a single ruin? No. The name is a loose translation. It refers to the two castle hills of Granges, each with the remains of a fortress.

Who built the castles of Granges? The counts of Granges, recorded from the 10th century, and later families such as Corbières, Tavel and Rovéréa.

Is Granges part of Sierre? Yes, it merged with Sierre in 1972.

Is there anything for families nearby? Yes. Granges has the Happyland park, and easy walking and cycling routes cross the Rhone plain.