Martigny train station
In Sion we walked from the train station, through the shopping area of town, directly towards the two high hills in the center of Sion. On top of one hill, 395 feet above Sion, is the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Valere built in the 11th century.
Church of
Notre-Dame-de-Valere
After quite a bit of uphill walking
we arrived at a small building outside the main fortified Church of Notre-Dame-de-Valère.
Near Church of
Notre-Dame-de-Valere
Continuing up, we walked into the main grounds.
Nate and Keith walking on grounds of Church of
Notre-Dame-de-Valere
After walking through that entryway, this view of Sion opens up. Martigny is near the top center of the picture on the left.
A little further up is the entrance to the church.
Views inside Church of Notre-Dame-de-Valere.
This church has a Gothic organ that is claimed to be the oldest playable organ in the world, dating back to the 11th century.
Admiring a slate roof just outside of the church.
On to the second hill, the higher of the two, and home to the Chateau du Tourbillon, built by bishop Boniface de Challant (1290-1308).
On the way up you pass through this archway with a super view back down the path and of Sion.
The view from Chateau du Tourbillon down to Sion
This view looking east up the valley. You can see the mountains towards central Switzerland and the Rhone river below.
Keith at Chateau du Tourbillon
The grounds around the castle are green, even though it is January!
Grounds around Chateau du Tourbillon
From the grounds you can look west beyound Chateau du Tourbillon. Martigny is in the far distance.
Looking west, towards Martigny
In the center of this picture, just above the landing strip, you might be able to make out a couple of sky-divers.
The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Valere from Chateau du Tourbillon.
Here is a picture of me near Chateau du Tourbillon.
Chuck at Chateau du Tourbillon
And here is a short mpg movie of Sion from Chateau du Tourbillon.
