Nyon Castle

Originally a stronghold of the Lords of Prangins, the castle's roots trace back to Roman times. Constructed around 1280 and modified after Nyon's capture by Savoy in 1293, it gained corner turrets under Guillaume du Chêne. In 1536, Bernese conquest transformed the castle into a bailiff's seat. Extensive renovations occurred from 1574 to 1583 by masons from Valsesia. Acquired by Nyon in 1804 after the 1798 Vaud Revolution, it housed various functions, including district prisons until 1979. The castle, home to the Historical Museum since 1888, underwent a 1999-2006 restoration, costing 17.5 million francs. It is a Swiss national cultural heritage site.