Gruyères
The history of the town of Gruyères is intimately tied to that of the family of counts of the same name. Mentioned for the first time in the 12th century, they distinguish themselves by their title (very few held this title amongst the counts of Savoie) and by their chronic money troubles which brought bankruptcy in 1555. Paradoxically, the poverty of this area is what preserved it through the centuries. The different landlords did not have disposal income to modernize their buildings. The first homes were built inside the castle walls, and the village then spread along one main street.
1663 Gruyères