Fenestrelle Fortress – the Great Wall of Piedmont

History and description

Built between the 18th and 19th centuries by order of the Kingdom of Sardinia to defend against French invasions, the fortress—considered the largest in Europe and nicknamed the “Great Wall of Piedmont”—extends for about 3 kilometers. It is composed of three main forts, two intermediate redoubts, and a series of bastions and covered passages. Over time, due to its vast size, it served not only as a military stronghold but also as a prison, place of exile, depot, and barracks. After a period of abandonment, it has been included in an ongoing restoration project.

Curiosities

In addition to being surrounded by numerous legends that describe it as haunted by the ghosts of vanished prisoners, the fortress is also known as a film set for several movies, including Il Giovane Favoloso, centered on the life of Giacomo Leopardi.

Access

Open year-round with varying hours depending on the season and available routes, the fortress can be visited at a cost ranging from €10 to €20. Guided tours are mandatory and must be booked in advance.

How to reach it

Located on a rather demanding panoramic ascent, the complex can be reached by car from Turin via State Road 23, by bus from Porta Susa, or on foot through organized excursions.

A majestic site rich in beauty and history, Fenestrelle Fortress is one of Piedmont’s most iconic landmarks—an unmissable stop for discovering the region.

Photo credits: Colombo Nicola (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0