Perched on a rocky outcrop above the Rhône Valley, Saint-Maurice Castle is dedicated to temporary exhibitions on comics and illustrated storytelling. You can also learn about the history of a fortress that once guarded the gateway to Valais.
Castles & forts
Main highlights
- Comic art exhibitions devoted to narrative art and renowned artists
- Castle rebuilt after 1693, featuring the Governors’ Salon and its period furnishings
- Restored 19th-century fortifications, reached by two trails starting from the castle
Overview
Construction of Saint-Maurice Castle began in the late 15th century and continued in several phases. Devastated by fire in 1693, it was completely rebuilt and remained the seat of power in the region. Its strategic position allowed it to control access to Valais.
Renovated in 1970, the castle first housed the Valais Cantonal Museum of Military History. Today it is entirely devoted to exhibitions on illustrated storytelling. Its interior spaces have been converted into exhibition rooms and, with one exception, no longer retain traces of the past.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
The visit begins with a historical introduction tracing the history of the building. The upper floors then host temporary exhibitions, regularly renewed and devoted to comics and renowned artists.
The Governors’ Salon is the only room that retains its historic furnishings, and it is included in the tour. The architecture is also worth a look, with its thick walls, mullioned windows and defensive structure. From the windows, the view over the Rhône Valley shows just how important the site was.
Two trails lead from the castle to the restored fortifications of the 19th century. These military works round off the visit and illustrate how defensive techniques evolved at the Saint-Maurice gorge.
Practical information
Access : the castle overlooks the town of Saint-Maurice from a rocky outcrop.
Accessibility : the site is not adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. Please check before your visit.
Combined tickets : packages combine the castle exhibitions with the Grotte aux Fées or the Abbey of Saint-Maurice.
Visitor tips
Exhibition themes change regularly, so check the programme on the official website before you go. Combine your visit with the Abbey and the Grotte aux Fées to discover the heritage of Saint-Maurice.
Take time to stroll along Saint-Maurice’s Grand-Rue and its civic buildings rebuilt after the 1693 fire.
Nearby attractions
- The Abbey of Saint-Maurice, founded in 515 by the Burgundian king Saint Sigismund, is a pilgrimage site on the Via Francigena.
- The Grotte aux Fées, open to the public since 1863, leads through a tunnel to an underground lake fed by a waterfall.
- Fort de Cindey is an underground fortress carved into the rock of the Saint-Maurice gorge between 1941 and 1946.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place