The castle of Aymavilles is located in the town of the same name, a few kilometres from Aosta in the direction of Cogne. Today there is a stream of travellers, not only from Valle d'Aosta, but also from Italy and abroad, who stop to admire it on their way down from the Cogne valley. Its appearance is unmistakable. The building, with its eighteenth-century façade and fifteenth-century crenellated towers, is simple and elegant throughout.
Discover the history of Aymavilles Castle.
Aymavilles Castle has a rich and colourful history stretching back centuries. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has witnessed countless events and played a significant role in the history of the region.
Its history begins in the 13th century when it was a stronghold of the De Amavilla lords. In the middle of the 14th century, Aimone de Challant-Aymavilles built a monobloc structure and his son Amedeo de Challant added the four corner towers at the beginning of the 15th century. In the mid-fifteenth century, Giacomo di Challant created another inhabitable floor by raising the towers and rebuilding the roof with a wooden structure that can still be seen today. The death of Renato di Challant in the mid-16th century marked the beginning of a period of decline that ended with Baron Joseph-Félix de Challant. He carried out the last major late Baroque intervention at the beginning of the 18th century with the addition of loggias and stucco decorations. The date of the end of the 18th century, 1728, is engraved on the inner wall of the attic.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Philippe-Maurice de Challant left his inheritance to Teresa de Challant, the bride of Count Cacherano Osasco della Rocca d'Arazzo. This marriage gave rise to Count Vittorio, who amassed a rich collection of Italian art, which was unfortunately dispersed after his death in the mid-19th century. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was bought by the Bombrini family from Liguria, who remained the owners until 1970, when it was purchased by the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta. The castle was inaugurated on 21 December 2021, after several years of careful restoration work.
Discover the intricate architecture and design.
The architecture and design of Aymavilles Castle is truly awe-inspiring. From the imposing exterior to the intricate details of the interior, every aspect of the castle's design tells a story. A blend of medieval and baroque styles, the castle showcases the craftsmanship and artistic vision of the period.
Information and opening times
Winter opening, Tuesday to Sunday 10-13, 14-17 (October to March)
Summer opening, Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm, closed on Mondays except public holidays and in July and August.
Tuesday to Sunday 10-13, 14-17.
Ticket prices
Full admission €10, reduced admission €7 (with Aosta Valley guide), €3 19-25 years old, free 0-18 years old, for holders of the Piedmont and Lombardy Museum Pass, for people with disability pass 104/92 and their carers, for school teachers 1:10.
Here you can book your guided tour of the Castle of Aymavilles
