Hermance
Intro
Hermance is considered a real jewel on the shores of Lake Geneva. The small medieval town is located on a sunny slope and, in addition to a ruined castle and a lakeside promenade with a lido and camp site, also has a grand villa district.
Description
Nestled between Lake Geneva and a narrow river that forms the border with France, Hermance stretches out uphill from the lake. It is not just the stunning location that entices visitors, but also the town’s picturesque alleyways and historic buildings, which are well worth exploring.
The town dates back to the 13th century, when the castle was constructed. Due to its strategic location, Hermance was a constant object of desire and suffered for centuries in the conflict between the people of Savoy and Geneva: a battle in 1589 destroyed almost the entire town and all but the tower of the castle.
Today, there are various districts of Hermance to explore: the lower town is densely built-up and runs along the old town wall, stretches of which remain to this day. The upper town is located on the hill and is home to the castle ruins. In between are the baroque church of Saint George and the cemetery, which is situated on a terrace. This vantage point affords wonderful views of the lower town, the lake and the castle tower. Hermance is also surrounded by vast green spaces, which include the large parks of an exclusive villa district.
ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.
