Valère Basilica
Sion, Switzerland
A fortified church on a hill above Sion, home to one of the world’s oldest playable organs. The ruined Tourbillon castle crowns the neighbouring hill.
The Valère Basilica stands on a hill 615 m above sea level overlooking Sion, surrounded by a fortified precinct whose walls and towers date from around 1300. The church was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. Inside you will see a stone rood screen from the 13th century, wall paintings from around 1435, Baroque canons' choir stalls from the 17th century and an organ built around 1435, regarded as the oldest playable organ in the world.
From the old town, the Rue des Châteaux leads up on foot in 15 to 20 minutes. The nave is free to enter, whereas the church treasury can only be seen on a guided tour. The site is part of the Valais cantonal museums. On the opposite hill stand the ruins of Tourbillon Castle. The organ is heard regularly at concerts of the international festival of historic organs.
- Nearest town
- Sion, Switzerland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 46.2340, 7.3650
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- TCS Camping SionCampsite5 km from Valère Basilica · 679 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Alp SafariCampsite5 km from Valère Basilica · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping d'AnniviersCampsite17 km from Valère BasilicaTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Swiss-PlageCampsite17 km from Valère BasilicaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping de la SarvazCampsite17 km from Valère BasilicaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping MolignonCampsite19 km from Valère BasilicaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Valère Basilica?
Valère Basilica is in Sion, Switzerland, at GPS 46.2340, 7.3650. It is about 15 km from Sierre.
Can you camp near Valère Basilica?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Stellplatz Binii, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Valère Basilica?
Valère Basilica is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier.
What is there to see near Valère Basilica?
Places worth a stop nearby: Earth Pyramids of Euseigne (8 km), Grande Dixence Dam (17 km), Moiry Dam (19 km) and Chillon Castle (39 km).
When is the best time to visit Valère Basilica?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)