Majorie Castle: A Historic Medieval Fortress in Sion, Switzerland

Visitor Information

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Official Website: siontourisme.ch

Country: Switzerland

Civilization: Early Modern

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Majorie Castle stands in the municipality of Sion, Switzerland, originally constructed by medieval European builders. Its earliest known mention dates back to 1179 with the Vidomnat structure, while the prominent Majorie tower appears in records from 1221 under the name Tour de Sion, notable at the time for the presence of St Michel’s Chapel.

The castle’s significance grew substantially on January 15, 1373, when Bishop Guichard Tavelli acquired it. From that time onward, it served as the main residence and administrative center for the Prince-bishops of Sion. This location was favored over the more difficult to access Tourbillon Castle, reflecting its strategic and political importance. The Majorie tower likely housed reception rooms where official gatherings took place, although the bishop’s living quarters, which once stood nearby, have not survived through the centuries.

In 1529, a fire devastated the castle, prompting rebuilding efforts seven years later under Bishop Adrian I of Riedmatten. During the 17th century, the castle played a central role in Valais’ governance, sharing authority between the Prince-bishops and the cantonal Diet—a type of regional assembly—that regularly met at Majorie Castle.

Another destructive fire struck in 1788, destroying the diocesan archives housed within. Despite suggestions to renovate after this incident, the castle remained largely as it was. In the early 19th century, around 1839–1840, the bishops chose to move their residence closer to Sion Cathedral. Subsequently, the State of Valais took possession of the castle and converted it into military barracks. Since the mid-20th century, the site has been repurposed as a cultural facility: it became home to the Valais Museum of Fine Arts in 1947, and since 2013, the former stables, known as the Grange-à-l’Évêque, have housed the Valais Nature Museum.

Remains

Majorie Castle is composed primarily of two major structures that today define its historic footprint. The first, the Majorie tower, is a tall, imposing feature that dominates the site. It is elevated and surrounded by strong terraced walls which enhanced its defensive capabilities. This tower, mentioned early in the 13th century, was likely used for formal receptions rather than residential purposes, reflecting its role as a space for official and ceremonial functions.

Positioned slightly below and to the west of the Majorie tower is the Vidomnat complex. It comprises two square towers, each rising three stories, which were originally built separately but later conjoined. This architectural evolution indicates adaptations to the castle’s layout, possibly to meet changing defensive or residential requirements over time. Both the Majorie tower and the Vidomnat have been preserved, despite the destructive fires in 1529 and 1788, with partial reconstruction undertaken after the earlier fire but no major restoration following the later blaze.

Additionally, the site includes the Grange-à-l’Évêque, formerly used as stables. This separate building has been adapted in recent years to serve as exhibition space for the Valais Nature Museum. Together, these elements illustrate the castle’s layered history, combining medieval defensive architecture with later civic and cultural functions still visible in its fabric today.