Timeless Sion: Castles, Cathedrals & Old Town Charm

Name: Timeless Sion: Castles, Cathedrals & Old Town Charm
Brand: Viator
Price: 468.69 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

5.0(1)1 hr 30 min - 2 hoursGerman, English, Italian, FrenchBook 30 hours aheadZermatt, Switzerland

From

$469

Book on Viator

Discover the rich layers of Sion’s history on this captivating walking tour through its medieval heart. Begin at the Sorcerers' Tower, where tales of witch trials and Inquisition tribunals reveal the city’s darker past. Nearby, the Sion Cathedral impresses with its blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Continue to the Old Town Market along Grand-Pont Street, where vibrant stalls, cafes, and boutiques reflect Sion’s cultural charm. Then, visit the Majorie Castle, once the residence of bishops and a symbol of medieval authority. Pause at Maurice-Zermatten Square, the city’s most photogenic spot. On the way up to Valere, stop by the peaceful All Saints Chapel before reaching the basilica itself—home to the world’s oldest playable organ and sweeping views of the Swiss Alps.

Included

Private guided tour

Not included

Gratuities and refreshments

What you'll do

Tour des Sorcieres
Rue de la Tour, Corner Rue de la Tour and Avenue Ritz, Sion, Switzerland
Begin your journey in the historic heart of Sion at the Sorcerers' Tower, a striking relic of medieval military architecture. Once used during the witch trials of the Middle Ages, this somber monument holds haunting stories of Inquisition tribunals and local legends surrounding witchcraft.
15 min
Continue to the nearby Sion Cathedral, an architectural gem combining a 15th-cen
tury Gothic façade with a 12th-century Romanesque bell tower. Built on the remains of a 7th-century sanctuary, it is Sion’s oldest religious landmark, silently bearing witness to centuries of transformation.
15 min
Sion
Sion, Switzerland
Next, immerse yourself in local life at the Old Town Market of Sion. This lively market, filled with artisan shops and fresh produce stalls, reflects the cultural vibrancy and culinary heritage of the region, offering countless opportunities to sample local specialties and delicacies.
15 min
As you wander along Grand-Pont Street, where the market unfolds, enjoy the charm
of bustling terrace cafés, aromatic bistros, and boutique storefronts. The street’s lively rhythm and historic architecture make it an ideal spot for people-watching and soaking in the everyday life of Sion.
15 min
Castello Majore
rue de la Majorie 8, Sion, Switzerland
Make your way to the 13th-century Majorie Castle, an enduring symbol of Sion’s political and ecclesiastical past. With its towering battlements and robust stone walls, the former residence of the bishops of Sion offers a glimpse into the city’s historic power structure.
15 min
From there, take a leisurely walk to Maurice-Zermatten Square, beautifully situa
ted between the Old Town and sweeping Alpine landscapes. Framed by Valère Basilica and Tourbillon Castle, this square is one of the most photographed spots in the city—a perfect place to pause and take iconic Sion pictures.
15 min
On the way up to Valère, stop by the serene All Saints Chapel (Chapelle de Tous
les-Saints), a 13th-century sanctuary tucked along a quiet wooded path. Its humble beauty and peaceful setting offer a moment of reflection amidst the grandeur of the mountains.
15 min
Valere Basilica
Rue Des Chateaux 14, Sion, Switzerland
Finally, arrive at Valère Basilica, perched on a small hill overlooking the valley. This fortified church rewards you with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Tourbillon Castle across the way. Inside, you’ll find the world’s oldest playable organ, preserved in its original setting. Whether you visit the museum housed within or return to Maurice-Zermatten Square for a relaxing break at a nearby café, it’s the perfect way to conclude your walk through the layered history and timeless beauty of Sion.
15 min