The Bishop, the Reformation and the Valaisans

During the 16th century, the vast majority of Valais' political and economic elite switched to the Reformation. Some of them studied under the Basel-based humanist Thomas Platter. Attending his school led them to adopt the new faith. Tensions between the burghers of the Upper Valais and the Prince Bishop of Sion were high. Yet this rural canton remained faithful to its alliances with the other Catholic cantons of the old confederation.