The Château de la Bâtiaz is a medieval fortress built around 1260 on a rock overlooking Martigny. You can visit the keep and a collection of medieval objects, then climb to the top for the view over the Rhône Valley.
Castles & forts
Main highlights
- 13th-century keep in excellent condition, which you can explore freely all the way to the top
- Views over the Rhône Valley, Martigny and the vineyards from the tower roof
- Castle tavern serving dishes with medieval flavours during the warmer months
Overview
The Château de la Bâtiaz was built around 1260 on the orders of Landrit de Mont, Bishop of Sion. Its name comes from “bastida”, meaning fortress. From its rock, it watched over the Rhône Valley and the route to the Great St Bernard, a trade passage between the north and south of the Alps.
The castle changed hands several times between the House of Savoy and the bishops of Sion, following the power struggles of medieval Valais. It is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national importance and is among the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in Valais.
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What to see and do
The keep is the centrepiece of the castle. This large 13th-century tower, in excellent condition, is open for self-guided visits. A climb of 120 steps leads to the top, where a grille gives access to the roof. The view takes in Martigny, the surrounding vineyards and the Rhône Valley.
The castle houses a medieval collection that includes instruments of torture. These pieces illustrate the judicial methods of the time and shed light on daily life and power struggles in the Middle Ages.
During the warmer months, the castle tavern serves dishes with medieval flavours, prepared according to age-old traditions. Public guided tours offer a deeper look at the site’s history and share anecdotes about medieval life.
Practical information
Access : allow 15 minutes to walk up from the centre of Martigny. You can also go up by taxi bus or book the Baladeur, a tourist train, through the Martigny Tourist Office.
Visitors : the climb requires a basic level of fitness but remains suitable for all ages.
On site : three rooms for seminars and conferences, for 15 to 50 people, and a tavern.
Visiting tips
Bring good walking shoes for the walk up to the castle and the climb up the keep. In the late afternoon, the light shows off the castle stonework and the view from the roof.
Check the dates of the public guided tours so you can join one during your visit.
Nearby
- Barryland, in Martigny, is a theme park dedicated to the St Bernard, Switzerland’s national dog, and its history.
- The Gorges du Trient, near Vernayaz, is a narrow, deep gorge spanned by two bridges.
- The Fondation Pierre Gianadda, in Martigny, hosts art exhibitions and houses a car museum.
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