Castello di Issogne: A Must-See Castle!
The Castle of Issogne
One of the most important castles of the Challant family in Aosta Valley is the Castle of Issogne.
Who were Giorgio di Challant, Marguerite de la Chambre, Renato di Challant and Vittorio Avondo? That's what we'll try to find out on this very interesting walk.
The Château de l'Issogne, a magnificent medieval manor, was built on the remains of a Roman villa and has a square tower rebuilt between the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 19th century, the structure of the castle underwent major renovations.
Our visit will follow each stage of its history, starting in the courtyard where we will be greeted by the magnificent pomegranate fountain, full of fascinating legends that I will illustrate.
We will then continue our visit along the large portico on the ground floor, which, with its richly frescoed lunettes, will show us scenes and depictions of medieval daily life: it will be a bit like looking at old photographs, rich in details of a past that would otherwise be lost, a truly precious jewel!
Once inside the castle, we will visit its rooms, but not all of them (there are 50 in all, too many for a single visit!), concentrating on the most characteristic ones: from the kitchen to the dining room, from the chapel with its beautiful extravagant altar to the French King's Room and the Baronial Room. All the rooms, both representative and private, are embellished with various frescoes, and we will discover the symbolism behind each of them, revealing fragments of the history of the manor and its owners.
Entrance fees
Full ticket - €10, reduced ticket - €7 (for those accompanied by an Aosta Valley tour guide), €3 19-25 years old, Free - under 18s, for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Piemonte and Lombardia, for people with a 104/92 certificate and their carers, for teachers at a ratio of 1:10.
Opening hours
Winter opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday 10-13, 14-17 (October - March)
Summer opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm, closed on Mondays, except public holidays and July and August.
Other information
The visit can be booked free of charge with the tour guide resident in the Aosta Valley and lasts 1 hour.
The castle is partially accessible to persons with disabilities (wheelchairs).