Originally, probably an early Romanesque Tower (11-13 Century) with a constructive dwelling and city wall. First authentically mentioned as a dairy farmers’ dwelling in the year 1254. About 1415 burnt down together with the town hall. Subsequently rebuilt and extended particularly under Bishop Supersaxo, who in 1475 renovated the tower and converted it into a Bishops’ summer residence. In April 1507 the Bishop of Sion - later Cardinal Matthäus Schiner - and the Duke of Savoyen signed a peace treaty between Wallis and Savoyen. Later, the Walliser Council held frequent meetings here.
In the year 1627 a sensational process took place in the Bishops Castle against the knight Anton Stockalper, who was tortured, hung drawn and quartered in front of the castle.
In the 17th century the Bishops Castle was the scene of witches trials. In 1867 Father Peter Kämpfen wrote about the case of witch Katharina Balin who was executed in 1678.
In spite of the numerous reconstruction of the Bishops Castle, arched Romanesque windows can still be seen today. One window on the south-side is decorated with a small pillar. To the east of the living area there is a large fire-place, the chimney of which projects the outside wall, On the west side the courtyard walls form with a defence moat and loop-holes a bastion, which strengthened the entrance to the town. The Bishops Castle, since 1934 in possession of the community, stands under protective preservation. You will find the Leuk local museum with the re-designed Bishops Sanctum.
The Bishops Castle lies in the Canton of Wallis, South Switzerland between Sierre and Brig.
