Valais History & Heritage Guide 2025
Journey through the fascinating history and heritage sites of Valais.
Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Valais has been inhabited since prehistoric times due to its strategic position at the junction of major Alpine passes connecting northern Europe with Italy. The Romans established Forum Claudii Vallensium (modern Martigny) as a major administrative city and built roads through the Simplon and Grand St Bernard passes. After Roman rule, the region passed through Burgundian and Frankish hands before becoming an ecclesiastical principality under the Bishop of Sion in the 11th century. The 13th to 15th centuries saw a fierce struggle for independence between the citizens of Upper Valais and their prince-bishops, culminating in the de facto independent Republic of Valais (1475). The canton joined the Swiss Confederation definitively in 1815 following the Napoleonic upheaval.
Historical Timeline
Key moments in Valais's history.
Prehistoric Settlement
The Rhône Valley has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period. Archaeological finds at Sion-Petit-Chasseur reveal megalithic cultures with sophisticated stelae featuring anthropomorphic figures.
Celtic Occupation
Celtic tribes, particularly the Nantuates, Veragri, and Seduni, inhabit the Rhône Valley and control the Alpine passes. The Seduni give their name to Sion (Sedunum).
Roman Conquest
Julius Caesar's campaigns bring Valais under Roman control. The Romans establish Forum Claudii Vallensium at Martigny as the main settlement and build roads over the Simplon and Grand St Bernard passes.
Christian Martyrdom — Saint Maurice
Roman legionary Maurice of Thebes and his Christian Theban Legion are martyred at Agaunum (modern Saint-Maurice). The site becomes one of Christianity's earliest pilgrimage destinations and hosts a famous Abbey.
Burgundian Kingdom
After Roman withdrawal, Valais is incorporated into the Burgundian Kingdom. Christianity spreads, and the Bishop of Sion emerges as the key authority.
Bishop-Princes of Sion
The Bishop of Sion becomes temporal lord of Valais as well as spiritual leader. The twin hills of Sion (Tourbillon and Valère) are fortified with castles. The Valère Basilica is constructed in its current form.
Stockalper Ancestors and Alpine Trade
The Simplon Pass trade route is formalised, making Valais a major corridor for trade between northern Europe and Italy. Brig grows as a commercial centre.
Count-Bishops and the Battle of the Upper Valais
The Upper Valaisan communities (Zenden/dizains) engage in repeated conflicts with the Bishop-Princes over local autonomy. The Savoyards contest control of Lower Valais.
Battle of the Planta — Valaisan Independence
The forces of the seven Upper Valaisan Zenden defeat the Savoyards at the Battle of the Planta near Sion. This decisive victory establishes the de facto independence of the Republic of Valais.
Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper
The merchant and statesman Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper dominates Valaisan politics and economy, building the magnificent Stockalper Palace in Brig — a monument to his trading empire controlling Alpine pass routes.
Napoleonic Invasion and Helvetic Republic
Napoleon's forces invade Switzerland. Valais briefly becomes the Rhodanic Republic (1802–1810) before being annexed as the Département du Simplon of France in 1810, following the construction of the Simplon Road.
Full Canton of Switzerland
Following Napoleon's defeat, Valais becomes a full member of the Swiss Confederation at the Congress of Vienna. The canton's current boundaries are established.
First Matterhorn Ascent
British mountaineer Edward Whymper and his team make the first ascent of the Matterhorn (4,478m) on 14 July 1865. The descent kills four of the seven-man party in the world's most famous mountaineering tragedy, launching the golden age of alpinism.
Simplon Tunnel Opens
The Simplon Rail Tunnel (19.8km) opens, connecting Valais with Italy and transforming the region's economic links with southern Europe.
Grande Dixence Dam
The Grande Dixence dam in Val d'Hérens (285m — tallest gravity dam in the world) is constructed, transforming the valley and providing Switzerland with vital hydroelectric power.
Top Historical Sites
Must-visit places for history enthusiasts.
Valère Basilica and Cantonal Museum
A stunning fortified Romanesque basilica housing the world's oldest playable organ (c. 1390) and an excellent cantonal museum of history and art. One of the finest medieval religious buildings in Switzerland.
Tourbillon Castle
The ruins of the 13th-century fortress of the Bishop-Princes of Sion, destroyed by fire in 1788. The dramatic ruins offer panoramic views and insight into the turbulent medieval history of the canton.
Stockalper Palace
Switzerland's largest secular Baroque building, constructed by the Valais trading magnate Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper. The magnificent courtyard and three distinctive towers are unmissable.
Grand St Bernard Hospice and Museum
The famous mountain hospice founded by Saint Bernard of Aosta at 2,473m to shelter travellers on the ancient pass. The museum covers the hospice's thousand-year history, Napoleon's crossing in 1800, and the famous St Bernard rescue dogs.
Martigny Roman Amphitheatre and Museum
The remains of the Roman city Forum Claudii Vallensium, including a well-preserved amphitheatre and Roman forum. The adjacent Musée Romain houses exceptional Roman finds from the excavations.
Abbey of Saint-Maurice
One of the oldest continuously inhabited monastic sites in the western world, founded over the tomb of Saint Maurice. The abbey treasury contains one of the most extraordinary collections of early Christian reliquaries in existence.
Sion Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Valère)
The Cathedral of Sion on the valley floor beneath the twin castle hills has origins in the 12th century, with notable Gothic additions and a remarkable Romanesque belltower. The interior contains medieval frescoes.
Complete History Guide
In-depth historical context, site guides, and self-guided tour routes.
Museums & Collections
Where to experience history indoors.
Fondation Pierre Gianadda
World-class private museum in Martigny hosting major temporary exhibitions of international artists alongside permanent collections of Roman artefacts, vintage automobiles, and an outstanding sculpture park
Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis)
Underground museum in Zermatt telling the dramatic story of the Matterhorn, alpine climbing history, and the culture of mountaineering in Valais
Cantonal Museum of History (Sion)
Comprehensive regional history museum housed in the Valère complex, covering Valais from prehistoric times through the Roman period, medieval principality, and into the modern era
Musée Romain de Martigny
Roman archaeology museum covering the excavations at Forum Claudii Vallensium, with exceptional displays of mosaics, sculptures, and everyday Roman artefacts found in Martigny
Sites by Historical Era
Explore history period by period.
Prehistoric Period
5000 BC – 57 BC
Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age cultures in the Rhône Valley; Celtic Seduni tribe; extensive megalithic culture at Sion-Petit-Chasseur
Roman Period
57 BC – c. 400 AD
Roman Forum Claudii Vallensium at Martigny as major administrative city; Simplon and Grand St Bernard pass roads; early Christianity and martyrdom of Saint Maurice
Medieval Bishop-Principality
c. 700 – 1475
Episcopal rule from Sion; construction of Valère and Tourbillon; struggle for independence; Valaisan victory over Savoy at Battle of the Planta
Early Modern Period
1475–1815
Seven Zenden Republic; Stockalper's trading empire; Napoleonic invasion; the Rhodanic Republic and French département
Swiss Confederation Period
1815 – present
Full canton status; railway expansion; hydroelectric development; rise of alpine tourism from the 1860s; Matterhorn ascent (1865) launching the golden age of tourism
Guided Historical Tours
Get deeper insights with expert guides.
Walking Tours
Free self-guided walking tours of Sion Old Town using the tourist office's heritage trail leaflet; start from Place de la Planta
Day Tours
Full-day historical tours of Valais with local guides from CHF 80–120 per person (book through Sion Tourist Office)
Private Guides
Private historical guides from CHF 150/half-day; mountain pass historical tours (Simplon, Grand St Bernard) from CHF 200/full day
Book guides through reputable agencies or your hotel to ensure quality and safety.
English-speaking guides may need to be booked in advance, especially in less touristy areas.
Discover Valais's Past
Get our complete history guide with detailed site information, historical context, and self-guided tour routes.
Download History Guide