Valère Castle, Medieval co-cathedral and castle on Valère hill in Sion, Switzerland.
Valère is a fortified church perched on a hill overlooking Sion, housing multiple buildings and courtyards within its walls. The compound mixes residential spaces, religious structures, and defensive elements arranged across the slope in a compact arrangement.
The church began construction between 1100 and 1130 in Romanesque style, with Gothic elements added in later building phases. Over the centuries it served both as a place of worship and a defensive stronghold, shaping the region's history throughout.
The name comes from Saint Walther, a revered local holy figure. You can see how the sacred space and the fortress function lived side by side, with both roles expressed clearly in the buildings and layout.
The climb to the hilltop is steep but the paths are well-marked and the city views reward the effort. The basilica interior is open to visitors, and you'll also find the regional history museum within the same grounds.
Inside stands a pipe organ from the early 1400s made largely of its original components, one of Europe's oldest playable instruments. The organ reveals how musical craftsmanship has evolved over six centuries while maintaining its basic function.
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