Sion

Sion is the capital of the canton of Valais in western Switzerland. Located along the Rhône valley, it serves as the region’s administrative and cultural center. The town preserves a compact historic core on a raised terrace above the river, where landmarks include the Cathedral of Saint-Théodule, the hilltop Valère Basilica, the Tour de Valère, and the nearby Château de Tourbillon. Sion is known for wine production in the Valais and for serving as a gateway to the Upper Rhône valley’s alpine scenery. It is served by regional rail lines and Sion Airport, which provides access to domestic and seasonal ski traffic.

In religious literature, Sion is the French form of Zion. In the Hebrew Bible, Mount Zion denotes Jerusalem’s hill and later the sacred center of ancient Israel. In Christian theology Zion often stands for the heavenly Jerusalem or the people of God. The term appears in liturgy, hymns, and biblical exegesis and has been used as a place-name by various communities.

As a proper name, Sion is used as a given name and surname in various cultures, including Welsh, French, and other European contexts. The word’s biblical associations contribute to its continued use in religious and literary contexts.