Nyon, Administrative district in Vaud, Switzerland
Nyon is a town on the shore of Lake Geneva in the western part of Switzerland, nestled between rolling hills and the clear water of the lake. The old town sits on a small hill above the harbor, with narrow lanes, a cylindrical castle tower, and open squares surrounded by pastel-colored facades.
The Romans founded a colony here in the first century BC called Noviodunum, which later became an important trading post along the route between the Alps and Gaul. During the Middle Ages, the settlement belonged to the dukes of Savoy before passing under the control of Bern in the 16th century.
The town takes its name from the Roman settlement Noviodunum, and its position on the lakeshore shapes daily life for locals and travelers alike. Fishermen sell their catch directly at the harbor, while market stalls in the main square offer regional products such as cheese and wine from the surrounding hills.
A visit can easily start with a walk along the lakeside promenade, which offers wide views over the water and the distant mountains. The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot, though comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobbled lanes.
Beneath the castle courtyard lie remains of Roman walls that are partly visible, showing how the ancient settlement transformed over the centuries. The castle tower once served as a prison and now houses a small historical museum with finds from the surrounding area.
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