Colombier Castle, Medieval castle in Milvignes, Switzerland.
Colombier Castle stands on the foundations of a Roman villa from the 1st to 3rd century with preserved mosaics still visible. The building was expanded repeatedly from the 11th to 16th century and now forms a complex layout containing residential areas, museum galleries, and military barracks.
A Roman villa was built at this site between the 1st and 3rd century, establishing early settlement here. After the castle was built in the 11th century, the location evolved into an important regional fortress over the following centuries.
The castle houses the Neuchâtel Military Museum, displaying uniforms and equipment from the Swiss military history. Visitors can observe how military and civilian uses coexist within the same place.
The site sits on the lakeside with good accessibility and nearby parking and restaurants. The best time to visit is on weekends when museum galleries are most open and there is less military activity.
The castle has been home to an active federal military barracks since 1877 and today functions as one of few castles in Switzerland where military and civilian roles coexist side by side. This dual use makes it a rare example of ongoing adaptation at a historic site.
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