Sion (or Sitten in German), the capital of the Canton of Valais, is known as the most sun-blessed town of Switzerland. Thanks to its central location, the small town abounding with culture is also an ideal starting point for exploring the summer and winter holiday resorts in the Valais side valleys.

Sion is recognizable from afar thanks to the high towers of Castle Tourbillon and the Castle of Valeria. These landmarks guard the capital of Valais and its 30,000 inhabitants. Past and future blend in one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. Sion, which boasts a 7,000-year history, is today the economic center of Valais and an important traffic junction with its own international airport. The Castle Church of Valeria has one of the world’s oldest playable organs from the late beginning of the 15th Century.  
  
Particularly charming are the many historical monuments in the Old Town, the shopping area, and the new modern and convenient municipal facilities. Here one feels a little closer to the south. A visit to one of the numerous museums lets you discover the varied history of the city.  
  
Sion is located in the middle of one of the most important wine-growing regions in Switzerland. Fendant, the region's white wine in particular is well known. In order to be able to water the vines and fields in the sunny and dry valley it was necessary to carve out irrigation channels in the sides of the mountains. These channels are called "Bisses" ("Suonen" in German), and walks along them in the nearby vineyards are a speciality of the Valais.  
  
Thanks to Switzerland's biggest bus station offering countless connections it takes no time to get to the charming side valleys of the Valais. Consequenlty Sion is an ideal starting point for exploring the Valais' summer and winter holiday resorts and the nearby thermal spa resorts. In winter Sion offers fast access to the nearby ski resorts of Anzère, Crans-Montana, 4 Vallées or Val d'Hérens.

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Sion

Sion, called Sitten in German, is the capital of the Canton of Valais. The Old Town, which lies between the hills of Valère and Tourbillon, dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to numerous sights and attractions, such as one of the world's oldest organs that can still be played.

Sion's history dates back to the Stone Age, as demonstrated by 5,000 year old stone menhirs and one of Switzerland's largest celtic necropolises. The hill of Valère with its basilica was named after the mother of a Roman city prefect. The foundations of the collegiate church, which was mentioned in historical documents for the first time 1000 years ago, were already laid in Celtic times. The church is home to an organ from the 15th century.  
  
The ruins of the erstwhile bishop's castle from the 13th century lie on the adjacent hill of Tourbillon. Further attractions in the medieval Old Town include the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Glarier (which dates back to the 15th century) and the Witches' Tower, which was part of the old city fortifications.

Sion - Valère, Tourbillon, Old Town - Sion