Petit-Vivy Chateau, Medieval castle in Barberêche, Switzerland
Petit-Vivy Chateau is a medieval fortified structure located near Courtepin in Switzerland. The stronghold contains a square tower with thick stone walls, surrounded by defensive walls, a moat, a residential building, and a guardhouse arranged within a triangular layout.
The structure became a lordship seat before 1293, when three brothers inherited the property following the line of succession from their predecessor. From this point, it developed into a significant administrative center for the family in the wider region.
The castle served as a seat of power for a noble family and now stands as a protected cultural landmark in Switzerland. Visitors can observe how the structure reflects the medieval social hierarchy and territorial control of the region.
The castle sits at approximately 576 meters elevation near the Schiffenensee lake and can be viewed from the exterior. Visitors should note that this is a protected site with limited access, so it is wise to check visiting conditions in advance.
The tower interior still shows traces of its original five-level configuration with visible floor divisions. The uppermost floor once offered lookout points across the valley that existed before the Sarine River changed its course.
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