The Historic Village of Chambave

Nestled on the sunny slopes of the central Aosta Valley, Chambave is a village historically linked to viticulture and to the trade routes that once crossed the valley floor.
Its historic centre still preserves fascinating traces of the past, including stone buildings, vaulted passageways and picturesque corners that reflect the settlement's evolution from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Although it has undergone changes over the centuries, the old village retains the charm of a traditional Aosta Valley settlement, surrounded by vineyards and mountains.

The Via Francigena passes through the village, guiding walkers and pilgrims in the discovery of its historic architecture and wine-making tradition, which has made the area famous for wines such as Chambave and Moscato di Chambave.

Several historic buildings line the village's main street. Palazzo Roncas, located at the western entrance to the village, was built in the 17th century by the Baron of Cly, Pietro Filiberto Roncas, using materials taken from the nearby Castle of Cly. When the baron moved into the new residence, the judicial seat of the Castellany of Cly was also transferred to Chambave, confirming the administrative importance acquired by the village during the modern period.

In the historic quarter behind the parish church, several old buildings have also been preserved. One of these houses features an elegant carved stone window with engraved monograms. This architectural detail provides valuable evidence of the age and quality of the village's built heritage.

The history of Chambave is closely linked to that of the nearby Castle of Cly, located within the present-day municipality of Saint-Denis. The medieval fortress overlooked the valley floor and controlled a vast territory that included Chambave and other settlements in the central valley. Even today, the castle remains one of the main historical landmarks for understanding the history of the village and its surrounding area.