We visit Sion, the "pearl" of the Canton of Valais, imagining ourselves in the Middle Ages, visiting its castles and tasting a good glass of Fendant
With its 30.000 inhabitants Sion it is the oldest city in Switzerland, capital of the Canton of Valais, fascinating from a historical and archaeological point of view and for its landscapes waiting to be discovered. Seat of the Bishopric of Sion founded in the 4th century, today it is the economic hub of Valais.
Located in one of the most famous areas of Switzerland as regards viticulture, the city of Sion is famous for the local white wine called Fendant, produced through innovative cultivations that use a network of canals on the slope of the hills called “bisses” which would facilitate the irrigation of the vineyards as the area is very sunny and dry, a walk among these grooves will allow you to savor the atmosphere of the earth and the essence of this working process.
In addition to a visit to the "bisses" you can decide to organize other moments in the open air by deciding to follow one or more hiking trails that the nature of Sion offers to lovers of outdoor activities, among the many destinations that can be chosen they are undoubtedly not to be missed lose the say Grande Dixence 285 meters high and located in the Val d'Hèremènce, a boat ride to the underground lake of St.Lèonard and a beautiful walk in the virgin forest of Derborence. Furthermore, for ski lovers, in winter you can reach the areas of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz or Crans-Montana, the latter only 16 kilometers away.
Zion, land of good wine and generous nature, rich in beautiful landscapes, but not only that, above all a city with a historical heritage of 7.000 years, linked to battles, conquests, alliances which are proudly witnessed through the manors of which the city is proud. There fortress of Valère it will fascinate you with its grandeur, in the Middle Ages until the 17th century it was the seat of the Venerable Chapter of the Cathedral which constituted the bishop's council and interacted for the functioning of the diocese.
It should be noted that in reality it is not a fortress, but a real village. When visiting it you will observe the water tank with a singular pointed roof and the grain mill which in the event of epidemics or natural disasters would have allowed the village to maintain its autonomy. The first agglomerations were built in wood and date back to the mid-12th century, but unfortunately today there is no trace, while in the following century the first houses were built in stone and were gradually surrounded by walls, making the site a fortified village built around to the central church which houses one of the oldest functioning organs in the world.
Another beautiful manor not to be missed in Sion is that of Whirlwind which once kept a cistern for collecting rainwater, essential in case of drought to maintain self-sufficiency. The towers of la Majorie and Vindomnat date back to the 1233th century and bear the name of two officials of the bishop, in fact towards the end of the XNUMXth century, for a period of four hundred years, the castle became the residence of the bishops of Sion. Witness and symbol of numerous struggles that saw it as a protagonist in the Middle Ages, Montorge Castle saw opposition between the Bishop and the counts of Savoy. It was founded in XNUMX with the aim of controlling the Rhone valley and the communication network towards Valais.
After this dive into the Middle Ages we recommend you wander around Sion a bit and discover the beauty of it Notre Dame de Glarier Cathedral and the Maison Supersaxo, considered the most beautiful Renaissance house in Valais, you could visit one of the various art galleries and museums and take advantage of the delicious cafés to enjoy a good glass of wine and possibly treat yourself to some relaxing pampering in the spa centers of Saillon in 15 kilometers from Zion.
Sion is a very active city, numerous initiatives and events are part of its calendar, in March a fun carnival is organised, in June there is "Wine garden” and in July and August the International Ancient Organ Festival is held. In winter i Christmas markets they decorate the squares and streets with lights and colors
