Romont Castle

The origins of Romont Castle date back to the 12th century, when it was owned by the Lords of Billens. In his expansion efforts in Vaud, Peter II of Savoy acquired the rights to Romont from Anselme of Billens around 1240, integrating the hill into his dominion. He adopted the title Count of Romont, and under his aegis, the castle and the village were built shortly after 1240. The complex was characterized by towers and fortifications in the Savoyard style. From the 13th to the 15th century, Romont developed into a stronghold of Savoyard power. During the Burgundian War, the village was set on fire in 1475 but remained under Savoyard control for decades. After the conquest of Vaud by Bern in 1536, Romont submitted to Catholic Fribourg, which established a bailiwick in the castle. This served as an administrative seat until 1798. Alterations were made, including the “new castle” on the east side of the courtyard around 1588. Archaeological finds, particularly an oak plank, date the construction of the residential buildings to 1249 and highlight Romont's significance as a prototype of Savoyard fortress architecture, even before Yverdon Castle.

Romont Castle is located at an altitude of approximately 788 m above sea level in the municipality of Romont in the Glâne district, canton of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Since 1981, Romont Castle has housed the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass, which reopened in 2006 after renovations and expansions.