Your Guide to Sion’s 5 Best Attractions for a Half-Day Visit

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Sion, the capital of the canton of Valais, might just be the most romantic place in southern Switzerland.

Picture this: a town nestled in a valley, surrounded by towering mountains. In the heart of it, two hills rise, each crowned with a castle. One stands intact, while the other is a ruin. Now, imagine wandering through those ruins, watching thepreserved castle glow in the evening light as the sun sinks behind the peaks. Feels like something out of a knight’s journey, right? That’s the kind of experience Sion offers.

Today, I’ll share more about these castles and other attractions in Sion. Just so you know, this town is smaller than other Swiss cities, so you can likely see everything in a few hours. The list below is set up like an itinerary, making it easy to follow as soon as you arrive at the train station.

The two castles of Sion, Switzerland — The two castles of Sion

1. Sion Cathedral

When you arrive in Sion, the first place to check out is the Sion Cathedral. It’s not only a place for Christian travelers to give thanks for save travels, but it’s also the easiest landmark to find and the most accessible attraction in town.

If you’re coming from the Sion train station, it’s just a fifteen-minute walk. Head north on Avenue de la Gare, pass Parc de la Planta, and before you reach the Tribunal Cantonal Building, turn right onto Rue Mathieu Scheiner. A few steps later, you’ll be at the Sion Cathedral.

Also known as Our Lady of the Glarier (Notre-Dame du Glarier), this 15th-century Roman Catholic church sits in the heart of town. It has been rebuilt twice after previous versions were destroyed. It’s not as large as many European churches, but its facade, which looks like a fortified tower, gives it a unique character.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit:

A Romanesque bell tower, whose sides and back feature beautiful clocks in gold, black, and red colors.
Byzantine architecture from the choir and the glass mosaic behind the altar.
Fifteen beautiful altars, decorated with intriguing Roman inscriptions.

Visiting the Sion Cathedral won’t take much time unless you want to take a closer look at its architectural details or capture photos from different angles.

2. Sorcerer’s Tower

Once you reach Sion Cathedral, you’ll be just a short walk from another historic landmark—the Sorcerer’s Tower. If you’re inside the cathedral, a quick three-minute walk northwest will take you straight there.

Despite its name, the Sorcerer’s Tower was never home to a witch or sorcerer. Built in the 14th century, it was part of Sion’s defense system, adding another layer of protection to the town’s existing walls.

Over time, the tower took on a darker role, serving as a prison and a site for witch trials between the 15th and 18th centuries. These trials left a lasting mark on history, which is how the tower got its name. Today, it stands as the most prominent remnant of the walls that once surrounded Sion’s old town.

Some say that inside the tower, in the hall of justice, instruments once used for strappado torture are still kept.

However, access to the interior may be limited, and the official Sion Tourism website does not clearly list its opening hours. Even so, visitors can admire its impressive exterior at any time and take in its medieval military design while reflecting on the events that took place within its walls.

3. Chapelle de Tous-les-Saints

Chapelle de Tous-les-Saints, Sion Cathedral

As you make your way up the hills of Sion, right in the heart of town, the views get more and more impressive. This is especially true near Chapelle de Tous-Les-Saints, or the Chapel of All Saints, one of the most photographed spots in Sion. With its historic look set against snow-covered mountains, it’s easy to see why people love capturing it.

Did you know the chapel was originally built in 1325? The version we see today is a restoration completed in 1964, but it still has the same rustic, old-world feel.

If you’re at Sion Cathedral, Chapelle de Tous-Les-Saints is just an 8-to-10-minute walk away. It sits along the path leading to Valere Basilica, a church perched on one of Sion’s hills.

The trail has a slight incline, but it’s an easy walk. The elevation gain from the town center to the chapel is about 70 meters. Once you reach Chapelle de Tous-Les-Saints, you’ll find a Gothic-style brick chapel with mountains in the background, along with a scenic overlook of Sion.

The view from the chapel is especially beautiful during the golden hour.

Golden hour in Chapelle de Tous-les-Saints, Sion, Switzerland

4. Valere Basilica

Once you reach Chapelle de Tous-les-Saints, you’re just a short walk from Valere Basilica, also known as Valere Castle. Today, it’s recognized as a Swiss Heritage Site of National Significance and is one of the most memorable places to visit in Sion.

From its hilltop location, you get incredible views, and inside, you’ll find religious artworks that create a powerful sense of history. One of the most fascinating things about the basilica is its rare treasure—the oldest playable organ in the world, which has survived for 600 years.

To give you an idea of Valere Basilica’s architecture, let’s take a look at its history. The first stones were laid in the hills of Sion in the 1100s, and construction continued for centuries.

Close up shot of Valere Basilica, Sion, Switzerland

The basilica was originally designed in the Romanesque style, but as it expanded, Gothic elements were introduced. By the mid-1700s, the structure had taken its final form, complete with paintings, murals, statues, and its famous organ. An important moment in its history came in October 1987, when Pope John Paul II visited. It was after this visit that the church was officially given the title of a minor basilica.

Even before you reach the basilica, the views along the hike are already incredible. Tourbillon Castle stands in the distance, the town stretches below, and mountains surround you. It already feels like an adventure.

But the real experience begins when you step inside. Entry is free, so take your time exploring. As you wander through, you’ll notice old, faded murals that seem to whisper stories of the countless religious celebrations held here over the centuries.

Inside Valere Basilica, Sion, Switzerland

Here’s a tip: If you’re interested in the history of the canton of Valais, check out the Valais History Museum. It’s right next to the basilica. For the latest updates on Valere Basilica and the museum, visit Sion’s official website.

5. Tourbillon Castle

Aside from Valere Basilica, Tourbillon is another place you shouldn’t just see—you should explore. Sitting on a higher hill in Sion, it offers even more impressive views and a deeper connection to the history of the canton of Valais. Though now in ruins, the castle has a long and fascinating past that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Its story began in the 13th century when Bishop Boniface de Challant, a native of Savoy, ordered the construction of his new residence on a hill near Sion. From then on, it became home to the bishops of Sion.

But in 1417, tensions between the bishop and the people of Sion escalated into a major conflict, leading the townspeople to set the castle on fire. It was later rebuilt, only to be destroyed again in a fire in 1788. Since then, it has remained in ruins. In the 19th century, efforts were made to reinforce the structure, preserving it as a historical monument.

Today, the castle is recognized as a Swiss Heritage Site of National Significance, and anyone can explore it for free. Despite being in ruins, there are still plenty of interesting details to discover. Below is a map of Tourbillon Castle to give you a better idea of its layout.

Map of Tourbillon Castle, Sion, Switzerland

Below is the summary of what I discovered in Tourbillon Castle.

Tourbillon Castle is composed of various sections. Upon arrival at the entrance, the first things you will see are the two towers guarding the entrance.
If you move east immediately after entering the castle, you will arrive at the castle’s chapel. This chapel is connected to the sacristy, where the articles of worship are stored.
Inside the chapel, you can find faded murals that narrate the story of Jesus and other Christian beliefs. After exploring the chapel and sacristy, you can move northwards to see what’s inside the main palace, cistern, and keep.
While exploring the castle, you can directly spot Valere Basilica. The windows facing south frame the view of the basilica – don’t forget to capture it!
Outside, to the east, you will find the castle’s courtyard. This is the perfect spot to view the plains and fields of Sion.

Sitting about 180 meters above the town, it provides a bird’s-eye view of Sion and a clear view of Valere Basilica. If you’re visiting Sion and looking for a great spot to watch the sunset, the castle grounds of Tourbillon Castle are a perfect choice.

Overlooking the countryside from Tourbillon Castle, Sion, Switzerland

View of Valere Basilica from Tourbillon Castle, Sion, Switzerland

Above are the views that await you at Tourbillon Castle.

Other Attractions in Sion

Aside from the five I mentioned, there are even more things to do in Sion. The views from the castles and hillside pathways are a clear hint—the town is surrounded by vineyards, which means you can enjoy wine tasting here. Visiting a local wine cellar is a great way to experience it.

If the weather isn’t great for outdoor exploring, you can check out the Valais Nature Museum. Or, if you’re up for something more thrilling, try Switzerland’s freefall simulator: RealFly, where you can experience the sensation of flight multiple times. Lessons and courses are available, and an instructor will guide you through it, making it both fun and educational.

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Explore Beyond Sion

Once you’re in Sion, you’re just a short drive or train ride away from other beautiful destinations along the Rhone Valley. Some of these places are among the most picturesque cities near the Alps, just like Sion itself. Zermatt, one of the most popular destinations in the canton of Valais and a highlight of any trip to Switzerland, is also within easy reach. Check out my 2-week Switzerland itinerary for more ideas on where to go.

Cities Near the Swiss Alps

Discover Zermatt

14-Day Switzerland Itinerary

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