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Origin and history

Mornex Castle, also known as Mornay, is an ancient castle probably built around the 12th century in the commune of Monnetier-Mornex in Haute-Savoie. Located 628 metres above sea level on the foothills of the Petit Salève, it dominated the left bank of the Arve and controlled a strategic axis towards La Roche-sur-Foron. Its location, facing the Château de Monthoux, reflected its defensive role in the tensions between the Sires de Faucigny and the County of Geneva.

The first written mention of the castle dates from December 5, 1289, when it was sold by Guillaume de Gex to Count Amédée II of Geneva for 25,000 soils. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, it became the centre of a Comtal chestnut, including the territories of Sappey, Mornex and Mossier. The castle was the scene of political negotiations, as in 1304, when Amédée II signed a convention with Hugues de Faucigny concerning the construction of the castle of Gaillard.

In 1401, the county of Geneva was bought by Amédée VIII de Savoie, but Mornex temporarily remained with the heirs of the house of Geneva. After negotiations, the castle was finally integrated into the Duchy of Savoie in 1417. It was probably destroyed between 1589 and 1590 during the Bern invasion. In the 17th century, he passed into the hands of the Geneva-Lullin family, then was bequeathed in 1675 to the Duchess of Savoie, Christine de France, before being erected as a marquisat in 1682.

The current remains, described by archaeologist Louis Blondel, reveal an irregular quadrilateral enclosure (85 m long for 36-40 m wide), protected by ditches to the north and a barbacan to the south. The natural slopes of the Petit Salève provided an additional defence. The castle symbolized the power of the county, with shawls appointed to manage the justice, finance and maintenance of the site.

Over the centuries, the estate changed hands several times: acquired in 1598 by the Geneva-Lullin family, then passed on to the Graneri (who built a house there in the 17th century), before moving on to private owners such as surgeon Corrajod in 1794. Savoie's departmental archives retain chestnut accounts dating from 1339 to 1515, reflecting its administrative and economic importance.

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