Hermance Castle (Ruin)

Archaeological finds confirm prehistoric settlement on the southern shore of Lake Geneva. Early medieval graves near Hermance indicate a Burgundian settlement, suggesting early royal property that belonged to the kings of Upper Burgundy until around the turn of the millennium. The present structural remains of the multi-part defensive complex date from the 13th century. The fortified settlement was divided into an upper and a lower town. The castle itself, located on the highest point of the upper town, was part of the town's fortifications but also had its own defensive wall facing the town. The significant round watchtower was erected in the 13th century and integrated into the town wall. The castle and upper town of Hermance were first documented in 1247 and were probably founded in the first half of the 13th century by the Lords of Faucigny, a Savoyard family who extended their influence into the Lake Geneva region. Aymo II of Faucigny is considered the founder of the castle around 1240, which served as a military and economic stronghold. In the mid-13th century, Hermance passed by inheritance to Peter II of Savoy. In the 14th century, Hermance was a contested object between Savoy and Genevois. In 1326, the Count of Genevois captured the fortress, which was only recaptured by Edward of Savoy around 1332. In 1536, Hermance was conquered by the Bernese but returned to Savoy in 1567. During Geneva's wars of independence around 1600, the Dukes of Savoy used Hermance as an advanced base against Geneva. In 1589, French troops fighting for Geneva advanced on Hermance, stormed the town, and destroyed its fortifications. After the Peace of St-Julien in 1603, Hermance reverted to Savoy, but the defensive structures were not rebuilt, and the castle remained a ruin. Hermance was not annexed to Geneva until 1816.

The Hermance Ruin is located in Hermance, a municipality in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland, at an altitude of approximately 392 meters above sea level.

The Hermance Ruin can be visited today. The impressive round watchtower is the most prominent surviving structure of the former castle complex.

• Château Coppet (castle), approx. 4.5 km away
• Château Tannay (castle), approx. 5.3 km away
• Schloss Bellerive (castle), approx. 6.1 km away
• Schloss Versoix (castle), approx. 6.5 km away