In the Middle Ages, the history of Sierre was particularly written by the events desired or suffered by kings, princes and lords. Above all, it was the place of hills, a citadel of feudalism, a veritable market town with its manors and fortified manor houses allowing residents to watch over the plain.
The State of Valais was created in 999 when the last King of Burgundy, Rudolph III, granted all county rights to the Bishop of Sion, who thus became prince-bishop. The patriots of the Upper Valais subsequently engaged in a struggle against the bishop to gain greater political rights. It was during these troubled times of the Middle Ages, in the 13th and 14th centuries, that many of the castles on the Sierre hills were destroyed – only the Tower of Goubing survived. First constructed by the patricians and the peasant winegrowers, Sierre became a town of industry and services from 1900, containing within its walls and in its soul this diversity which led to its birth and growth.
Today, Sierre is not only a thriving economic hub but also a lively centre of culture, hosting festivals, arts events and community activities in its various districts. The inhabitants of Sierre continue to celebrate their heritage whilst embracing the opportunities of the present, thus creating a symbiosis between the past and the future which defines the very essence of this charming Swiss town.
