Morges Castle

On the shores of Lake Geneva, facing Mont Blanc, Morges Castle is a perfect example of a “Savoyard square”. This 13th-century fortress is now home to an extensive museum of Swiss military history from the Middle Ages to the Cold War. Also on display is the largest collection of historical figurines in Switzerland. 

Morges Castle & its museums

Morges Castle – a perfect example of a “Savoyard square” – was built in 1286 by the ambitious Louis I, Duke of Savoy. Anchoring the seigniorial power of the Savoy family in the Pays de Vaud, it was both a garrison and a regular residence for its members throughout the Middle Ages.

After the conquest of the Vaud lands in 1536, the Bernese consolidated their hold on the region by restoring the castle and installing their bailiff there. Following the Helvetic Revolution of 1798, the building became a cantonal arsenal in 1804, and served as a prison until 1844. In 1932, it was turned into a military museum and an important cultural centre in the canton of Vaud. 

Today, the Château de Morges houses a wealth of collections divided into several themed sections. From the cellars to the parapet walk, five floors of the castle tell the story of Switzerland's military and defence history from various perspectives, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Swiss regiments in foreign service

Uniforms, flags, swords and guns, engravings and archives tell the often little known but fascinating story of Swiss regiments in the service of the major European courts from the 16th to the 19th century. 

Military history of Vaud

Discover the special links between the people of Vaud and Napoleon, the famous figure of General Guisan, or the role of Vaudois troops during the Sonderbund civil war: from the 18th to the 20th centuries, 3 centuries of Vaudois military history await you.

Historical figurines

More than 130 scenes and 5'000 figurines will take you on a journey around the world, exploring 2 millennia of military strategy. Step ladders and turrets are available for children.

The Vaud Gendarmerie

From 1803 to the present day, from personal armaments to motorcycles, uniforms and diving equipment, take a journey through the history of this Vaud institution.

Artillery

The castle cellars house an important collection of artillery weapons, both full-scale and scaled models. Discover five hundred years of Swiss artillery history, from the culverin used in the Burgundian Wars to the shot simulator from the Cold War. 

Special exhibition

Every other year, a special exhibition takes place in the rooms on the lake side. Last year, Morges Castle was showing “It's five to twelve! A history of high-risk Switzerland”