Tourbillon Castle Archaeological Site

Address: Tourbillon Castle (Château de Tourbillon), Sion, Valais, Switzerland

Hours: Daylight hours (site access varies seasonally)

Admission: Small local entry fee for site maintenance (variable)

Tourbillon Castle is a ruined hilltop castle above the town of Sion in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, originally constructed in the 13th century and historically associated with the bishops of Sion.

Visitors encounter the castle ruins and defensive walls on a rocky spur; the site provides clear views across the town and the surrounding Rhone valley and is often visited together with the nearby Valère Basilica. The remains are reached by a short uphill walk from Sion’s old town.

The structure was erected in the medieval period by the local ecclesiastical authorities as a fortified stronghold and residence; over subsequent centuries it fell into ruin and today remains as an open archaeological and scenic site.

Geographically the ruin crowns a steep rocky promontory immediately above Sion’s historic centre in Valais, on the left bank of the Rhone river, and is a short walk from the town’s main streets and transport links.

• Position and view: Sits on a rocky hill above the old town of Sion and is paired visually with the nearby Valère Basilica on the opposite spur, offering panoramic views over the Rhone valley.
• Date and condition: The castle dates to the 13th century and survives today as a ruin dominated by its defensive walls and tower remains, visible from Sion’s historic centre.

Tourbillon is a short walk uphill from Sion’s historic center; the town is served by regular trains to Sion station. From the station it’s a steep 10-20 minute walk to the castle hill.

• Climb up to the castle ruins just before sunset - the light on the Valais valley is exceptional.
• Pair the visit with the nearby Valère Basilica for a compact afternoon of medieval architecture in Sion.
• Wear good walking shoes; access to the hilltop ruins involves uneven stone steps.