Beauregard Castle, Chippis

Beauregard Castle
Château de Beauregard
Chippis, Valais, Switzerland
View of the castle ruins
Site information
TypeRock castle
OwnerBeauregard Castle Foundation
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionRuins
Location
Beauregard Castle
Beauregard Castle
Coordinates46°16′41″N 7°33′08″E / 46.27806°N 7.55222°E / 46.27806; 7.55222
Site history
MaterialsStone masonry

Beauregard Castle (in French "Château de Beauregard") is a ruined castle on the territory of Chippis in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is situated on a rocky spur at the entrance to the Val d'Anniviers.

Of unknown origin and use, it belonged to the Raron family in the 14th century. In 1387, the castle was damaged by the soldiers of Amadeus VII in reprisal for an uprising of the Raron against the Bishop of Sion, Edward of Savoy. Thirty years later, it was destroyed in a fire as a result of the Raron affair. Archaeological excavations between 2008 and 2011 have revealed its perimeter and ruins.

The castle had a dwelling served by a spiral staircase, a tower and a circular cistern unique in Valais, all surrounded by an enclosure. Access from the footpath used to be via a wooden footbridge. Since 2017 it is accessible via a short via ferrata.