Verrès Castle

Above the small town of Verrès, at the entrance to the Ayas valley, a rocky spur carries a massive block of stone. No towers, hardly any decoration: a cube thirty metres a side, with walls more than two and a half metres thick. It is one of the most austere castles in the valley.

Ibleto de Challant, 1390

A castle already stood here in 1287. In 1372, Savoy granted the lordship to Ibleto de Challant. He had the present castle built, finished in 1390, as an inscription above a door records. The idea was new for the time: instead of several buildings inside an enclosure, everything is contained in a single block.

A great stone staircase

Inside, everything is arranged around a small courtyard with a cistern for rainwater. A wide stone staircase, carried on arches, links the three floors. The storerooms, armoury and kitchens were on the ground floor. The first floor was reserved for the lords. The great kitchen has kept its three fireplaces.

Adapted to cannon

In 1536, René de Challant modernised the fortress to withstand artillery. He surrounded the castle with an outer wall designed for cannon. In 1661, Savoy removed the castle’s weapons and sent them to Fort Bard. The castle was then neglected. In 1894, Alfredo d’Andrade bought it, in ruins, for the State, and began its restoration.

The historical carnival

Every year, the Verrès carnival recalls a story from 1449: Catherine de Challant and her husband are said to have danced in the square with the townspeople to win their support. For a few days, the castle hosts dinners and costume balls.

Visiting

Verrès Castle
Località Château
11029 Verrès (AO)
+39 0125 929 067

You walk up from the town on a steep path. Visits are in groups of no more than 25 people, Tuesday to Sunday (also on Mondays in July and August). Booking online is recommended (MiDA Ticket). There is no access for wheelchairs or pushchairs.