Tower of Gourze, Medieval lookout tower in Bourg-en-Lavaux, Switzerland
The tower of Gourze is a medieval stone building that stands on Mont de Gourze and looks out over the Lake Geneva valley. The structure was built from stone and has a clear form that is visible from far away.
The tower was first mentioned in 1279 as Castrum Gurzi, showing its early medieval existence. An important reconstruction took place in 1397 when the structure was reinforced.
The tower shows medieval building methods that were typical for this region and tells of the defensive needs of that time. Visitors can see how such structures were woven into the landscape and what role they played in local life.
Access to the tower is possible on foot, and visitors can climb the internal stairs to reach the platform at the top. Near the entrance there is a restaurant where you can refresh yourself before or after your visit.
A surveying pyramid was installed on the western corner in 1902, serving for decades in Swiss land measurements. This pyramid played an important role in mapping before modern technology made it unnecessary.
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