Castle History

Standing on the shores of Lake Geneva, this stout square fortress reflects a distinctly practical approach to medieval defense. Morges Castle was built in the late 13th century by Louis I of Savoy as part of a planned new town. The castle's compact, symmetrical design emphasized strength, order, and control rather than display. Four powerful corner towers gave it excellent defensive coverage. Its position allowed oversight of lake traffic and the surrounding countryside. Under the House of Savoy, it served as both a military stronghold and an administrative center. When Bern conquered the region in the 16th century, the castle changed hands without major destruction. Bernese rulers adapted the fortress for their own governance needs. Over time, its military importance diminished as warfare and borders evolved. The structure later functioned as an arsenal and storehouse. Unlike many medieval castles, it never fell into ruin. Careful maintenance preserved its original medieval form. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the castle found a new role as a cultural institution. It now houses several military and historical museums. The solid stone walls provide a striking contrast to the peaceful lakeside setting. Today, Morges Castle stands as one of Switzerland's best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture. Visitors walking its ramparts can still sense how carefully the castle was engineered to project authority over both land and water. Its survival in such complete form makes it a quiet but powerful witness to how medieval power adapted rather than vanished with time.