Painted House (former Inn): A Historic Manor in Valais, Switzerland
Site at a Glance
- Popularity
- Very Low
- Country
- Switzerland
- Primary era
- Medieval
- Eras represented
- Medieval, Early Modern
- Civilizations
- Holy Roman Empire
- Site type
- Domestic
- Remains
- Castle
On this page5 sections
History
The Painted House (former Inn) is a historic manor in Vaas, in the Municipality of Lens, Valais, Switzerland. It began as a simple dwelling, with origins tentatively dated to 1221, although that date is not securely established. Pierre Luyter is identified as its first owner. The Tavelli de la Tour family later took possession and probably turned the house into a fortified residence.
Alterations and Tavern
The building was altered in 1575. It later served as a wine tavern. In 1608, the Tavelli family granted it as a fief, property held under feudal obligations, to Antoine Gillioz. Gillioz was a castellan, an official responsible for a castle’s administration, and a local officer serving Bishop Adrien II de Riedmatten of Sion.
Museum and Conservation
From late 2012, the interior was renovated to house a museum devoted exclusively to Cornalin, a wine known in Valais vineyards since 1313. Its permanent exhibition occupies adapted rooms. The façade paintings were restored in 2019. The Municipality of Lens owns the building, which is listed as a cultural property of regional importance.
Remains
Walls and Painted Facades
The manor has thick walls, which support the interpretation that the Tavelli de la Tour family fortified it. Paintings dating to 1576 cover its façades, depicting hunting scenes and agricultural work that reflect life in the period and region. An inscription in Old French on one façade reads, in English, “Whoever has neither gold nor silver nor credit nor a woollen garment should go and drink at the fountain.”
