Venue
History
The castle of Pradegg, known today under the name of "Château Mercier", was built between 1906 and 1908 on the heights of the city of Sierre. It bears the name of an illustrious family of Lausanne tanners.
A Protestant family from Aveyron in France who took refuge in Lausanne around 1740, the Merciers founded a prosperous tannery there . In the 19th century, the renown of their industry was such that it contributed to forging the economic prosperity of Switzerland and the reputation of the products sold as far away as America.
Around 1900, the Merciers were among the wealthiest families in French-speaking Switzerland and became generous patrons in the artistic and social fields.
In January 27, 1970, the Jean-Jacques Mercier de Molin family foundation promised to donate the château to the State of Valais.