The Castles of the Aosta Valley
The most beautiful castles to visit in the Aosta Valley, less than an hour from Introd: Fénis, Issogne, Verrès, Sarre, Aymavilles and the castle in our own village.
01 — Introd · in the village
Introd Castle
It stands between the Savara stream and the Dora di Rhêmes — hence the name entre-eaux, “between the waters”. It dates back to the 12th century. The ground floor and the park with the old granary are open to visitors. Nearby are the Parc Animalier and the museum dedicated to Pope John Paul II.
Photo: Mavi80, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Middle Ages · Park · Free access to the exterior
02 — Aymavilles · 10 min by car
Aymavilles Castle
Recently reopened after a long restoration, it houses the art and archaeology collection of the Académie Saint-Anselme. Its four 15th-century cylindrical towers are among the most iconic images of the Aosta Valley.
Museum · Archaeology · Restored
03 — Fénis · 35 min by car
Fénis Castle
The most famous castle in the Aosta Valley. Its double ring of walls with semicircular towers and the 15th-century frescoes in the inner courtyard make it an absolute icon. Built by the Challant family in the 14th century, it is the best-preserved medieval castle in the region.
Photo: Einaz80, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Frescoes · Guided tour · Not to be missed
04 — Issogne · 55 min by car
Issogne Castle
A Renaissance residence with surprisingly refined interiors: furnished with period furniture, frescoes under the porticoes and the famous wrought-iron pomegranate fountain in the centre of the courtyard.
Renaissance · Furnished interiors · Frescoes
05 — Sarre · 20 min by car
Sarre Royal Castle
The hunting residence of King Victor Emmanuel II. The Trophy Gallery is lined with thousands of ibex and chamois horns. It tells the story of the House of Savoy and its deep bond with the valleys of the Gran Paradiso.
House of Savoy · Gran Paradiso · Royal hunting
06 — Verrès · 50 min by car
Verrès Castle
A 14th-century cubic fortress overlooking the valley from above. It is linked to the legendary figure of Caterina di Challant, still celebrated today in the historic Carnival of Verrès. Breathtaking views over the central valley.
Panorama · Historic carnival · Challant family
Aosta Valley
Stone, history and legends
Not to be missed
Fort Bard, a unique experience
About an hour from Fenat, Fort Bard is one of the most fascinating museum complexes in the Alps. Built between 1830 and 1838 on a cliff overlooking the Dora Baltea, it hosts international-level art and photography museums.
The panoramic lift takes you to the upper levels, where the view over the Aosta Valley is simply spectacular. Perfect for a half-day trip.
Art museum · Photography · Panorama · ~60 min from Fenat
How to get there
Castles within easy driving distance
Introd is in the centre of the Aosta Valley: from here you can reach all the major castles in just a few minutes by car. Approximate times from Fenat.
Introd Castle
in the village
Aymavilles Castle
10 min from Fenat
Sarre Royal Castle
20 min from Fenat
Fénis Castle
35 min from Fenat
Verrès Castle
50 min from Fenat
Issogne Castle
55 min from Fenat
Fort Bard
60 min from Fenat