Saxon Castle: A Medieval Stronghold in Switzerland

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.saxontourisme.ch

Country: Switzerland

Civilization: Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Saxon Castle is situated in the municipality of Saxon, Switzerland, and was constructed by the medieval rulers of the County of Savoy. The site has roots dating back to at least the mid-13th century when the Savoy family established control over the area.

The origins of Saxon Castle trace to an earlier fortification recorded by 1266, owned by the Savoy dynasty. Around 1279 or 1280, under the rule of Philip I of Savoy, construction began on the castle that would replace this earlier structure. This development coincided with the establishment of the bailiff’s office in Saxon-Sembrancher by Peter II of Savoy in 1263. The castle served as the administrative center for the bailiff, who oversaw the surrounding territory and safeguarded Savoy’s lands from rival powers, particularly the Bishop of Sion.

During the 14th century, the castle’s military importance shifted. Its role transitioned from active defense to functioning primarily as a signaling point, using fire signals to communicate with nearby fortresses such as La Bâtiaz and Saillon. The bailiffship, originally held by members of the local de Saxon family, passed to various nobles after this family died out around the mid-1300s, with the castle remaining a fief under Savoyard control.

In 1475, amid the conflicts known as the Burgundian Wars, Saxon Castle suffered a decisive attack. Following the defeat of Savoy at the Battle of the Planta, forces aligned with the Bishop of Sion and the Upper Valais region assaulted and burned the castle. This event led to the abandonment of the site, which was later incorporated into the Vogtei (bailiwick) of Saint-Maurice, ending its role as a military stronghold and administrative center.

A notable enduring element of the site is the chapel, which dates back to the 12th century, predating the main castle structures. This chapel, one of the oldest buildings within the Canton of Valais, was restored in the mid-20th century. Though the castle itself fell into ruin, the chapel remains a testament to the long history of the location.

Remains

Saxon Castle occupies a natural raised area about 663 meters above sea level, offering commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The site is divided into two main sections: an upper castle and a lower castle. The upper portion features a large, circular stone tower known as a donjon, which originally rose five stories high. The tower’s entrance is positioned on the northeast side, about ten meters above ground level, a defensive design to hinder attackers. Inside the tower, certain features have been identified, such as a projecting garderobe (medieval toilet) on the third floor and a fireplace on the fourth. The highest level was likely topped by a conical wooden roof accompanied by wooden hoardings—these were projecting galleries used for defense. Although the original battlement (crenellated terrace) and roof structures no longer survive, the core stone tower remains visible.

Protecting the tower was a zwinger, an enclosed killing ground designed as a trap for attackers who breached the outer defenses. Adjacent to the tower, a large rectangular gatehouse on the northern side provided the main entrance, while a residential building stood on the southern side within the upper castle walls. The enclosure was built primarily of stone, with defensive walls and fortifications completed after 1285, reflecting the military architecture of the late 13th century.

Below the upper castle lay the lower castle, which enclosed a fortified settlement protected by its own walls and gatehouse. Within this area stood a Romanesque chapel, distinguished by its 12th-century nave, making it one of the oldest surviving structures on the site. The chapel’s preservation contrasts with the ruins of the other buildings. Additionally, evidence of a cistern used for collecting rainwater has been found on the site, illustrating how the castle was equipped to sustain its occupants during sieges or periods of isolation.

Today, much of Saxon Castle remains in ruins, with the tower and chapel as the most prominent and well-preserved elements. These surviving structures offer insight into the castle’s medieval origins and its role within the region’s complex political and military history.