Jaun Castle (Ruin)

The Lordship of Bellegarde (Jaun) was an independent foundation in the mid-13th century by Richard of Corbières. The castle was destroyed in 1407 by the people of Thun and Frutigen, then partially rebuilt by the Counts of Gruyère (1482-1537). Given to the Fribourgers at the time of the conquest of Vaud, the feudal establishment was abandoned in favor of the manor house in the village.

The fortified site, which dominated the old road leading into the Simmental, was terraced on two levels with a height difference of more than 80 m. The upper castle on a rock still preserves two sections of the wall and the slightly lower watchtower, as well as the foundations of a dwelling. The lower castle stretches out on a plateau to better monitor the strategic path.