Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva: A beautiful blend of nature and history.

The most amazing thing about the European continent is its rich cultural heritage. The various castles scattered across the continent are a source of pride for their respective countries and are the closest thing to a fairy tale on Earth. After seeing so many castles perched on hills during your travels, a castle suddenly appearing on the surface of a mirror-like lake is truly breathtaking. Chillon Castle, known as a "strange pearl" in architectural history, is a symbol of the strength and beauty of the Middle Ages. It is surrounded by Lake Geneva and the Alps, and is built on a foundation buried 300 meters deep in the lake and built against the mountain. From the outside, it is integrated with the hillside and seems to float on the lake, offering a great view. This is one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland. It is known as one of the "Top 10 Castles in Europe" and is said to be the most visited place in Switzerland. It was the location for the Disney animation "The Little Mermaid" and the prototype of Prince Eric's castle. There are very few historical records about Chillon Castle. Archaeologists have excavated and confirmed that the history of Chillon Castle can be traced back to the Bronze Age, and it has been built and renovated over several centuries to become what it is today. "Chillon" in French means "stone", and perhaps its name comes from the huge rock protruding from the lake shore where it is located. This fortress is close to the lake and is adjacent to the cliffs that cross the Alps from Italy to the north, blocking the entrance to the hinterland of Europe. On the city wall facing the water and the mountain, there are arrow slits, crenels, gun eyes, and gun mouths, which are densely packed, and there is a momentum of one man being the pass and ten thousand men being open. Chillon Castle is like a manor, with complete daily life and luxury facilities, and was once a summer palace for the royal family to escape the heat. However, what is shocking is the dungeon of the castle. There are sturdy stone pillars in the dungeon, and the rusty iron rings and chains on them are still telling the bloody and desperate they have witnessed. It is said that 200 prisoners have been imprisoned. Chillon Castle is known for its appearances in the works of famous writers such as Rousseau, Hugo, and Dumas, but it is the British poet Byron who really made the castle widely known. Hearing that a priest in Geneva in the 16th century was chained and imprisoned in this dark dungeon for as long as six years, Byron was passionate and imaginative, and immediately wrote the immortal chapter "The Prisoner of Chillon". Today's Chillon Castle is as romantic and beautiful as ever. The exterior of the castle is simple and deep, sturdy and solid. Connected to the shore by a bridge. The medieval relics in the castle are quite rich, including defensive towers, arsenals, ducal residences, libraries, medical rooms, chapels, wine cellars, etc. Entering the castle, through the railings and windows, the sun shines on Lake Geneva, refracting into blue-green light, showing a mysterious color. In a siege in early 1536, the defenders of Chillon Castle resisted for three weeks under the condition that all supplies were cut off, showing how strong Chillon Castle was as a military fortress. Later, due to food shortages, the defenders had to declare their surrender. When the victor entered the castle, the defenders had already drilled into the secret road of the castle and disappeared on Lake Geneva. The anecdotes tell the vicissitudes of the years, and the wind and rain can't hide the high light.