On Valère Hill, 615 m above Sion, stands a fortified 12th-century basilica surrounded by houses. It is home to the world’s oldest playable organ, dating from 1430, as well as frescoes and Baroque choir stalls.
Religious buildings
Main highlights
- The world’s oldest playable organ, built in 1430 and still used in concerts
- A fortified basilica overlooking Sion from Valère Hill, at an altitude of 615 m
- Decoration from the 12th to the 17th century : Romanesque capitals, painted frescoes, Baroque choir stalls
Overview
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Valère sits atop Valère Hill, at an altitude of 615 m, above Sion. It forms the heart of a fortified complex known as Valère Castle, which faces Tourbillon Castle on the opposite hill.
From the Middle Ages, Valère was the residence of the Cathedral Chapter. The site grew up around the basilica, whose construction began in the mid-12th century. The building was raised to the rank of minor basilica in 1987, a title granted to churches of particular historical, architectural or spiritual importance.
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What to see and do
The building reflects the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. It combines 12th-century Romanesque sections, a 13th-century elevation, 15th-century painted decoration, as well as 17th-century Baroque altars and choir stalls, the seats of the canons in the chancel. Carved capitals and wall frescoes illustrate the sacred art of Valais.
The basilica houses the world’s oldest playable organ, dating from 1430. This instrument bears witness to medieval organ building. You can hear it during concerts, including an annual festival dedicated to historic organs and early music.
The canons’ former outbuildings house the Valais History Museum, founded here in 1883, which traces the history of the canton.
Practical information
Access : on foot from Sion town centre, via a climb of around 15 minutes along a cobbled path.
Guided tours : these provide access to the chancel and the Treasury room, which are closed to self-guided visitors.
On site : the Valais History Museum occupies the same site, in the canons’ former outbuildings.
Visitor tips
Wear sturdy shoes for the climb : the cobbled path can be slippery in wet weather.
To see the historic objects of the Cathedral Chapter kept in the Treasury room, book a guided tour. Attending an organ concert is a great way to appreciate the basilica’s acoustics.
Nearby attractions
- Tourbillon Castle, the former residence of the Bishops of Sion, offers panoramic views over the town from its ruins.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral in Sion is the youngest medieval cathedral in Switzerland and the heart of the Diocese of Sion.
- The Valais Nature Museum, in the centre of Sion, showcases Alpine biodiversity.
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