Saint-Saphorin

The enchanting winegrowing village of Saint-Saphorin lies in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, just at the foot of the first slope of Mont Pèlerin. Since the village was once threatened by landslides, the authorities decided to build arcades, on which the facades of the houses were then constructed. It is for this reason that Saint-Saphorin is also known as a fortified village.

The centre of the village is characterised by narrow passages and cobbled laneways. The lanes are lined with vintners' houses and simple dwellings, most of which have been built in the characteristic style of the region. These typical regional houses are distinguished by their lime-covered masonry structures as well as their symmetrical, colourful facades. The village square, also referred to as Pappelplatz, is surrounded by important buildings such as reformed church with its bell tower and the Auberge de l’Onde. The square also hosts various festivals, including spring, grape harvest and Christmas celebrations. The harbour, which is divided from the lake by the railway line, is at the lower end of the village.

Saint-Saphorin was also a place of refuge for many artists, who transformed the village into a little cultural centre. For example, Vaud's most famous chansonnier, Jean Villad Gilles, made the village his home.

 

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.