• 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
Castles and towers

The fortified houses

Gaby

Jaccond, Maisonnasse or Soala House Probably built in the 12th century, taller than five metres, it possibly served as a lazaretto during the 1630 plague. It was perhaps on that occasion that inhabitants abandoned the early village of Lihrla, on the …

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Castles and towers
In the summer

Medieval tower

Gignod

This square plan tower is situated in the south of the municipal seat and probably dates back to the 12th or 13th century. Historical data are unknown.

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Castles and towers
Tour de la Plantà

La Plantà tower

Gressan

This is a massive quadrilateral construction. Standing on a flat ground, with no natural defences, the tower had a massive structure and perimeter walls that were around 2 metres thick. It is now in ruins.

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Castles and towers
Castle Tour de Villa

La Tour de Villa Castle

Gressan

Located in a position slightly higher then the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, is the Castle of the Lords of La Tour de Villa. The ancestor of this lineage was Guido, cited in a pact sanctioning his alliance with the Count of Savoy for the storming of …

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Castles and towers
Savoy Castle - Gressoney-Saint-Jean

Savoy Castle

Gressoney-Saint-Jean

The fairy summer residence of Queen Margherita of Savoy which enjoyed a splendid view of Monte RosaBuy your tickets on-lineQueen Margaret Castle stands at the foot of Ranzola hill, in the place known as “Belvedere”, as it dominates the whole of the …

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Castles and towers
Castles and towers

Marelli palace

Hône

Built in 1689 near the parish church of Saint George, this is the residence of Count Jean-Pierre Marelli, general superintendent of arms and munitions of the House of Savoy, who had received the territory of Hône as a fiefdom just a few years previously. …

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Castles and towers
Outside

Introd Castle

Introd

Book your visit to the castle.The castle Introd castle stands on a promontory protected by the harsh gorges of the Savara and the Dora di Rhêmes (in fact the name Introd derives from the term “Interaquas”, or “entre-eaux” in French, which means “between …

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Castles and towers
Issogne Castle

Issogne Castle

Issogne

Buy your tickets on-lineHistoryFormerly property of the Bishops of Aosta, then restored in the 15th century by Ibleto of Challant, Issogne Castle’s current appearance developed between 1490 and 1510 under George of Challant, the prior of Sant’ Orso, who …

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Castles and towers
Castles and towers

Jovençan Castle

Jovençan

A few rests remain of the 13th-century Jovençan Castle, razed to the ground by the Count of Savoy in the 15th century, to punish the lords of Jovençan The castle is today in ruins.

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Castles and towers
The Portal

Aragon fortified house

La Salle

Located in the hamlet of Echarlod, it once belonged to the Aragon, a noble family of the 16th century. As attested by the date inscribed on the side of the door, it was built in 1608, probably by Philibert of Aragon, who later had the misfortune of …

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