Sitten lies in the canton of Valais, spreading on both sides of the Rhône. The old town centre is situated north of the river, crossed by the Sionne stream, which today runs partly underground. The old town slopes gently down to the river, while to the east and northeast striking rocks such as Valère and the Tourbillon fortress ruin rise up. To the west, Mont d’Orge towers above the landscape, and beyond the Rhône, newer districts extend. Incorporated places like Bramois and Salins add to the area, which is characterised by vineyards, orchards and industrial zones.
The region was already inhabited in the Stone Age, as the dolmens of Petit-Chasseur show. Later, a Celtic settlement arose here, which was conquered by the Romans. The name Sedunum derives from the Seduni tribe. In the Middle Ages, Sitten became the seat of a bishop and later the centre of secular power. In 1475, the Upper Valais and Bernese forces defeated the Savoyards here, and in 1941 General Guisan held a large military parade. The city grew through incorporations such as Bramois, Salins and Les Agettes.
Sitten is known for its two prominent hills: Valère with the pilgrimage church Notre-Dame de Valère and Tourbillon with the castle ruin. The basilica on Valère houses the world’s oldest playable organ. The cityscape is further shaped by the Musée d’art du Valais and other museums. The Sion Festival for classical music takes place here every year, founded by the violinist Tibor Varga. The city combines historic buildings, cultural events and a sun-drenched location in the Rhône valley.
