There are a lot of diffrent castles open to the visitors in the Aosta Valley
Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the Aosta Valley in Italy by exploring its stunning castles. From the enchanting Issogne Castle (Castello di Issogne) to the majestic Fénis Castle (Castello di Fénis), these iconic sites offer a glimpse into the region's past. Join a guided tour and uncover the fascinating stories behind Castello Gamba, Castello Reale di Sarre, Castello di Saint Pierre, Castello di Aymavilles (Aymavilles Castle), Castello Sarriod de la Tour, Castel Savoia (Savoy Castle), and Castello di Verrès (Verrès Castle). Prepare to be captivated by the architectural beauty and historical significance of these hidden treasures in Valle d'Aosta.
Castello Gamba (Gamba Castle) is a Modern and Contemporary Art Museum. The Gamba Castle was build at the begginng of the 20th century by Baron Carlo Maurizio Gamba for his wife Angélique Passerin d'Entrevès. The project was follwing examples of the another castles of the Aosta Valley.
Into this interesting Museum you can admire the local, Italian and international artists works, like for example Giò Pomodoro, Giuliana Cuneaz, Franco Balan, Lucio Fontana, Alessio Nebbia, Joe Tilson, Chicco Margaroli, Francesco Nex, Italo Mus, Carlo Carra, Arnaldo Pomodoro as well as Renato Guttuso, Federico Ashton or William Turner. In the attic on the 4th level there is a panoramic view of the Aosta Valley.
Information: Cretes de Breil, Chatillon
Opening times: April - September 9 am - 7 pm
The Castle of Fénis (Castello di Fénis) is a most famous castle of the Aosta Valley. It looks like a military castle but it was a residential castle of the Challant family. Once you get inside you will admire frescos in the hall representing Saint George killing the dragon and freeing the princess, or frescos in the chapel of the Madonna of Mercy. The frescos and the rooms of the castle with its stunning military architecture will bring you back into the Middle Ages.
Information: Località Chez-Sapin 1, Fénis
Opening times: April - September 9 am - 7 pm
The Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia) was a residence of the Italian Queen Margherita of Savoy. It is located into small village of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and was a favourite summer residence the Quenn. It was designed by Emilio Stramucci and build at the beginning of the 20th century. The King Umberto I of Savoy were unable to see this summer castle because of the accident in Monza. This was one of the modernst villas into this area with all off the modern facilities like warm water, electricity, phone, and own heating. There is even an eletric power station. Inside of this marvellous monument that brings back with its eclectic style into the beginning of 20th century life. There are a lot of hidden gems there.
Do not miss this tour, it will leave you speechless!
Information: Strada Castello Savoia 1, Gressoney-Saint-Jean
Opening times: April - September 9 am - 7 pm
The Castle of Aymavilles ( Château d'Aymavilles) I will take you on a tour of discovery of this splendid castle, a historic dwelling dating back in some parts to the early 13th century, created as a defensive fortress but which over time has become a splendid stately residence, surrounded by vineyards and characterised by a mixture of architectural styles. It is once again a manor house linked to the Challant family, a noble family of the area and owner of the castle until the 19th century.
Information: Località Castello 1, Aymavilles
Opening hours: April - September 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Castle of Issogne (Château d'Issogne) is a splendid manor house of medieval origin that stands on the remains of a Roman villa and incorporates a square tower, remodelled between the 15th and 16th centuries. The structure of the castle underwent major renovations in the 19th century, which gave it a particular horseshoe shape, almost unique in its kind.
Information: Piazza Castello, Issogne
Opening hours: April - September 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Château de Verrès (Verrès Castle) in fact, is a very unusual military structure, a monobloc cube rising at the entrance to the Val d'Ayas, upstream from the village and overlooking the Evançon stream. Although there is archaeological evidence of occupation of the high ground even before the 13th century, the first buildings to have colonised the area on which the castle stands presumably date back to the end of the 13th century, to exploit the strategic efficiency of this natural fort. The Castle, on the other hand, as we know it, was built around 1390 at the behest of Ibleto di Challant, who modified the previous buildings to create this fascinating example of military architecture.
Information Location Chateau, Verrès
Opening hours April - September 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Fortress of Bard - The history of this site begins many centuries ago. The Fortress stands along the ancient Roman road of Gaul, vestiges of which still remain. Of medieval origin are, instead, most of the dwellings located along the route that crosses the village and leads to the imposing fortress, built in the same place where, already in the 6th century, the Clausurae Augustanae, a military garrison mentioned in late antique archival sources, were apparently located. In addition to its grandeur, the Fortress of Bard has maintained its importance over the centuries for its perfect strategic position: as we shall see, in fact, due to its location at the centre of a narrow natural lock, it has always constituted the gateway to the Po Valley and the Aosta Valley itself.
Information: Fortress of Bard, Bard
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
