The End of the Reformation in Valais

Authors

Theol. Gerda Altpeter
Margot Durrer, German Translator

Keywords

Reformation, Reformation in Valais, Protestant Reformers, Swiss American Historical Society

Abstract

At the time of the Reformation, Valais was under the jurisdiction of France, Savoy and Spanish Milan. In the last decade of the 16th century and then more intensely in the 17th century, it became a theater for the dynamics of this power. Valais stood in a close relationship with their Savoyard neighbors that had evolved from a relationship of competition into a more friendly union by the 16th Century. The first accord came in 1528 when the Duke of Savoy withdrew from the district of Saint-Maurice, (conquered in 1475). In 1536 Valais engaged with Bern in a concentrated battle in the Savoy districts of Evian, Hochtal and Monthey. By instigating restitution, the Duke of Savoy established a good relationship from then on between Valais and Savoy. In 1569 Savoy handed Mon they over to Valais and in exchange, received land from the Danse up to beyond Saint-Gingolf. At the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th century Savoy declared itself as ally of the Catholic Orten and Spanish Milan and thus represented a threat, at least in the eyes of the Protestant Reformers and the followers of France.

Recommended Citation

Altpeter, Theol. Gerda and Durrer, Margot (2005) "The End of the Reformation in Valais," Swiss American Historical Society Review: Vol. 41: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review/vol41/iss1/3