L' Castel fortified house

Formerly known as della Rivoire, the castle was built in different phases and used as a residence by the lords of Pont-Saint-Martin starting from the end of the 15th century. Remodeled several times, while still maintaining various significant aspects, in its primitive forms the structure could be identified as a rural fortification (hence the name of a stronghold), but its function, as well as defensive, was also ostentatious, meeting the need to underline the prestige enjoyed by the owners.
The building is spread over four floors: a basement room, with the function of a warehouse or room for the processing of agricultural products, two floors representing the main floors and a third, with seat windows, with more modest living characteristics.
On the south-west side there is a projecting body that rests on superimposed shelves of squared stone. To the north-west, towards via Castello, the original wall structure is clearly visible, made of stones and lime mortar; at the top a characteristic fireplace stands out. On the north-east side are the entrance and the stairwell which leads to the mezzanine and the two raised floors. Various interesting elements also present the south-east side, which overlooks the internal courtyard: three windows with grating, a wooden balcony resting on a system of shelves, beams and lightning bolts and finally the dovecote.
The restoration carried out in 2012 made it possible to recover the building by removing it from neglect and the signs of aging and allowing it to be returned to the population and to all those interested in the history of the country.

Visit
After the renovation, the stronghold of the lords of Pont-Saint-Martin has become the home no longer of noble families, but of talents and culture, a museum and cultural center that worthily return this historic building to the community in all its splendor.

In addition to some drawings by the master Francesco Corni, the structure houses various period furnishings belonging to the collections of the regional administration, set up on the main floor together with the exhibition “Presenze”, antique clothes and linen interpreted by Daniela Evangelisti .
The third floor is dedicated to the works of the sculptor Cristiano Nicoletta, made available by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Activities of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, as well as to the exhibition “The bombing of Pont Saint Martin - 1944” . Finally, going up to the last level is the photographic exhibition “Vignobles” curated by Enrico Peyrot.