• Culture

    Castles

    sentinels of time

CASTLES, TOWERS AND FORTIFIED HOUSES

In Aosta Valley the first castles, towers and fortified houses arose between the beginning of the eleventh and the twelfth centuries, often on top of previous fortifications. In the following centuries, the residential functions began to prevail over the defensive elements.

Whether you meet them along the trail or admire them in a panoramic position on the opposite side of the valley, the castles are ever-present travelling companions along the Balteo Trail.

NOT TO BE MISSED

Fort of Bard

Imposing nineteenth-century fortress along stage 23, it is today a cultural center which houses various museums, including the museum of the Alps, and important temporary exhibitions.  

Issogne Castle

Along stage 21, it houses surprising art treasures, such as the pomegranate fountain and the valuable frescoes of the portico lunettes.

Gamba castle

In Châtillon, along stage 20, the castle houses the regional collection of modern and contemporary art with over 150 works.

FÉNIS CASTLE

Towers and crenellated walls that evoke an adventurous and fairytale dimension, make the Fénis castle one of the most famous and most popular castles to visit in Valle d’Aosta (stages 19 and 20).

CASTLES, TOWERS AND FORTIFIED HOUSES AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE

Castles and towers
Ussel - castello

Ussel Castle

Châtillon

Standing on a marked, rocky promontory, Ussel castle overlooks the south side of the residential area of Châtillon.Built by Ebalo II of Challant in the mid 14th century (the date is confirmed by dendrochronological analyses), the castle marks a change in …

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Castles and towers
The building

Mougne Tower

Cogne

Situated west of the village of Epinel, at the centre of an important crossroads, the Castle of Tamberel was built in 1198. Also known as “Tor de Mougne”, it belonged to the noble Chesallet family of Sarre, who during the 13th century handed over their …

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Castles and towers
The beautiful façade

Royal Castle

Cogne

Situated in the centre of the town, next to the church, the building dates back to the start of the period of the episcopal lords (12-13th century). It was later bought an reconstructed by Victor Emmanuel II, who used it as a residence, while ibex …

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Castles and towers
Torre Malluquin - Courmayeur

Malluquin Tower

Courmayeur

Situated in Piazza Petigax, a short distance from the Valdois Evangelical church, in the Middle Ages this building belonged to the Malluquin family, for whom evidence exists in Courmayeur since the 13th century. The dwelling is first mentioned in 1351 …

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Castles and towers
Southern view

Passerin d'Entrèves fortified house

Courmayeur

Standing in the centre of the Entrèves village, this typical country fortified house from the 14th century (1351), was designated as an aristocratic residence, more for the tourist attraction of the location, than for its original characteristics. In 17 …

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Castles and towers
Hexagonal tower

Pramotton Tower

Donnas

It is the first tower that can be seen by entering the Aosta Valley, and it dates back to the 13th century. Situated at about thirty minutes walk from the hamlet of Pramotton, on the right orographic bank of the Dora Baltea, the tower is hexagonal and …

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Castles and towers
Castles and towers

La Crête Castle

Doues

Located in the village of La Crétaz, just before the centre of the village, it was once the residence of the lords of La Crête. The most interesting part is the circular tower, which is clearly visible from the internal courtyard of the ancient building. …

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Castles and towers
The square tower

Vachéry Tower

Étroubles

Located in the hamlet of Vachéry, which gave its name to the family owning the tower, the building has a square floor plan with stone walls almost two metres thick, and openings and entrances featuring interesting architectural details.

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Castles and towers
Chénoz fortified house

Chénoz fortified house

Fénis

In the hamlet of Chénoz in the commune of Fénis, stands the house of the same name: a square-based tower with an internal spiral staircase, dating back to the 14th century and belonging to the noble De Tillier family.

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Castles and towers
Castello di Fénis

Fénis Castle

Fénis

Buy your tickets on-lineUnlike the other castles built for military and defence purposes Fénis castle is not situated on the top of a promontory, but rather on a small knoll. In contrast with the defence structure, its function was only to be the …

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