Ever wondered what it was like to own a castle? Well at Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay you can let your imagination run wild. The Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay stands in Pregny-Chamb\u00e9sy. It is a Geneva landmark with a rich and varied past. It is listed as a Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance.
Originally a 15th-century fortress, Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay transformed over time. The defensive features were softened through renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. But if you look closely you can still see vestiges of the original structure. Imagine the imposing square keep and the remains of a dry moat.
The history of Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay is long. While its true origins remain a mystery, written records start in 1583. At that time the Brosses family acquired it. The castle suffered damage in 1590. Genevan soldiers pillaged and burned it.
Fast forward to 1758. The famous Voltaire acquired Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay under a lifetime lease. He also gained the countal title. Voltaire planned theatrical performances here. These shows angered local residents.
The French Revolution brought more change. The Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay was seized and sold in 1794. In 1915, Alfred Baur a merchant and collector purchased the castle. After his death, the Baur Foundation owned it until 2009. Since then, a private individual has owned Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay.
The surrounding area has an interesting story too. Around 1730, the Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay included orchards and vineyards. A large vegetable garden lay in front of it. Voltaire loved well-designed landscapes. He restored the moats and drawbridges during his stay. He reportedly used more gunpowder farming than during a city siege.
After Voltaire’s death in 1778, the de Brosses family regained ownership. During the French Revolution they fled to Germany. Pierre-Jean Panissod who used to be their tenant farmer bought the estate. In 1915, Alfred Baur and his wife Eug\u00e9nie Duret moved to Geneva. They built a new villa with geometric gardens above the castle.
The architects Turrettini and Revilliod also worked on other Geneva gardens. These included Merlinge, Bois d’Avault, and Bois-Caran. The Villa Baur gardens reflected formal traditions inspired by French designs.
The name Tournay may come from the Gaulish word toren meaning hill. It could also come from the Roman name Turnius. This would mean the domain of Turnius. Today Ch\u00e2teau de Tournay stands as a testament to time. It has been carefully restored to reflect its present appearance. The castle covers 521 square meters and is 22 meters high. It is an iconic landmark. It is a window into the past. It is a reminder of the many people who shaped its story.