Tracing the history of witch trials in western Switzerland

Switzerland persecuted presumed witches longer than any other country in Europe. In relation to its population, it also executed the most people for the crime of witchcraft. An exhibition at Chillon castle sheds light on witch trials in canton Vaud, which used to be a stronghold of witch persecution. (Michele Andina, swissinfo.ch)

This content was published on December 9, 2011 - 11:31

1 minute

A documentary and animation filmmaker from Bern, Michele studied film at Zurich University of the Arts. He's been a swissinfo.ch video journalist since 2004 and has a special interest in developing new video formats for mobile viewing, mixing animation and documentary styles.

Swiss Abroad

The citizenship obstacle course facing spouses of Swiss Abroad

Detail view of a thousand Swiss franc note

Life & Aging

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

On Lake Geneva, the bise can lead to high waves.

Swiss Abroad

The bise, the ill wind unique to Switzerland

Alpine Environment

A new start for the ‘sleeping beauty’ of the Swiss Alps

International Geneva

Swiss budget cuts increase pressure on International Geneva

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

The wave of disinformation is expected to particularly affect direct democracies such as Switzerland or many US states.

Join the discussion

Dec 5, 2024

67 Likes

129 Comments

View the discussion

Should nations spend more on foreign aid or are cutbacks justified?

Many countries are cutting back on foreign aid and Switzerland is among them. Do you think it is justified?

Join the discussion

Feb 6, 2025

8 Likes

25 Comments

View the discussion

As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?

In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?

Join the discussion

Jan 23, 2025

8 Likes

10 Comments

View the discussion

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

No one tortured witches like the Swiss

This content was published on Sep 14, 2009 At a time when many governments are busy apologising for the actions of long-gone predecessors, this may come as no surprise. But when it comes to witches, the Swiss hold the record for persecution. The French-speaking area of Switzerland executed some 3,500 people, more than anywhere else in Europe per head of population. From the…

“Last witch” to be declared innocent

This content was published on Jun 24, 2008 Regarded as the last witch to be executed in Europe, Göldi’s case in the village of Mollis in 1782 was a tragic illustration of religious fanaticism, superstition and the abuse of power. The case received renewed attention after local journalist Walter Hauser published a book last year presenting new evidence about the undue influence Göldi’s…

Tracing the history of witch trials in western Switzerland

Popular Stories

More

The citizenship obstacle course facing spouses of Swiss Abroad

More

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

More

The bise, the ill wind unique to Switzerland

More

A new start for the ‘sleeping beauty’ of the Swiss Alps

More

Swiss budget cuts increase pressure on International Geneva

Most Discussed

More

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

More

Should nations spend more on foreign aid or are cutbacks justified?

More

As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?

More

No one tortured witches like the Swiss

More

“Last witch” to be declared innocent