Castle of the bishops of Lausanne, then baillivale residence and prefecture
Castle of the bishops of Lausanne, then baillivale residence and prefecture, Medieval episcopal castle in Bulle, Switzerland
Description
The Castle of the bishops of Lausanne in Bulle is a four-sided complex measuring approximately 41 by 44 meters. Three sides hold residential wings while the fourth side features a tall defensive wall.
History
The castle was built between 1291 and 1331 under the Lausanne bishops, who established it as their regional administrative center. Following Reformation changes and conquest by Bern, it became the seat of the bailli and later a government building.
Culture
The building reflects the architectural style of the Savoy dynasty through its square layout, a design that appears in other castles across the surrounding region. This design choice connected the site to broader architectural movements of its era.
Practical
The building still functions as the prefecture headquarters of Gruyere district and can be viewed from outside, but remains primarily a working office. Visitors should understand it is not a museum open to the general public.
Did you know?
The castle's defensive tower rises about 33 meters high and was originally accessed through a high-set opening positioned several meters above ground level. This was a typical security measure to protect the entrance from attackers.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bulle).
Maison Cailler
4.1 km
La Part-Dieu
3.9 km
Le Gruyérien
77 m
Musée gruérien
110 m
Tower of La Tour-de-Trême
1.2 km
Château d'En-Bas
3.2 km
Fabrique de chocolat Cailler
4 km
Ébullition
319 m
Saint-Joseph parish church
1.1 km
Notre-Dame de Compassion
57 m
Saint-Garin chapel
3.8 km
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption parish church
3.6 km
Groupe E Electrobroc, Centre d'information sur l'énergie
3.5 km
Sainte-Anne chapel
3.9 km
Saint-Othmar parish church
3.5 km
Hôtel de ville de Bulle
99 m
Landi festival hall
1.4 km
Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens parish church
308 m
Roman villa, L'Etrey
3.5 km
Maison de Chalamala
4.1 km
Home des ouvrières
4.1 km
Tour-porche de l'ancienne église Saint-Othmar
3.3 km
Former Benedictine priory
3.3 km
Farmhouse
3.1 km
Château d'En-Haut
3.8 km
Ancienne Chartreuse de la Part-Dieu, Gruyères
3.9 km
Ancien Institut Sainte-Croix
115 m
Passerelle des Buissons
558 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes