Timeless Sion: Castles, Cathedrals & Old Town Charm
- 1.5–2 hours
- 4 languages
- Instant confirmation
- Private tour
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private guided tour
What's not
- Gratuities and refreshments
Itinerary
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.
Continue to the nearby Sion Cathedral, an architectural gem combining a 15th-century 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.
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.
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.
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.
From there, take a leisurely walk to Maurice-Zermatten Square, beautifully situated 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.
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.
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.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
5.0
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Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- In front of the main entrance of the Sion Cathedral, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- BlackBuck Travels
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Zermatt
- Its from-price is 11% below the median of the 87 experiences we list in Zermatt.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 47 of 87.
About Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free Alpine village in Switzerland's Valais, beneath the pyramid of the Matterhorn, with ski slopes, glaciers and mountain railways.
Zermatt lies at the head of the Mattertal valley in the Swiss canton of Valais, with the Matterhorn, a 4,478-metre pyramid of rock, rising above the village. Petrol cars are banned in the village, so electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages move along the main street, and visitors arrive by train, leaving their cars at Täsch. Old wooden barns on stilts stand among the modern chalets in the Hinterdorf, and the Matterhorn Museum recounts the first ascent in 1865, when four climbers died on the descent.
Top-ranked sights in Zermatt: Matterhorn, Gornergrat Railway (Gornergrat Bahn), Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
