History and Architecture of Castello di Verrès

Castello di Verrès

If you are fascinated by military history, you must visit this exceptional castle!

The castle of Verrès is in fact a very special single-block military structure that stands at the entrance to the Val d'Ayas, near the stream of the Evançon.

The first buildings in the area were probably constructed at the end of the 13th century to take advantage of the strategic efficiency of this natural fortress. However, the castle as we know it today was built in 1390 by Ibleto di Challant, who skilfully exploited the earlier constructions to create this fascinating example of military architecture.

This one-piece fortified military castle stands at the entrance to the Val d'Ayas, near the stream of the Evançon. Built in 1390 on the orders of Ibleto di Challant, it is a fascinating example of military architecture and one of the most impressive medieval buildings in the Aosta Valley. In 1500 it was rebuilt for the use of firearms.

Despite its apparent austerity, the interior of the castle is, on the contrary, surprisingly welcoming, as we will see when we visit the rooms together, thanks to a system of arches, decorations and architectural games that make the rooms pleasantly light and pleasant.

With the passing of the centuries and the introduction of new weapons of war, the castle was renovated in the 1500s to adapt it to the use of firearms, as I will tell you as we retrace its history.

Unfortunately, with the extinction of the Challant family, the castle was almost abandoned, but it was skilfully restored at the end of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of some intellectuals who recognised its value and its great historical importance.

Tickets

The ticket: Full price - 6€, Reduced - 4€, Reduced - €3 (19-25 years), Free - under 18, 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, Tueasday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm, closed on Mondays,xcept public holidays and July and August.

Summer opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm, closed on Mondays, except public holidays and July and August.

Information

The visit lasts 30 minutes inside and 15 minutes outside; the visit can be booked free of charge with the Aosta Valley Tourist Board.

The castle is not accessible to persons with reduced mobility (wheelchairs).