Castle of Saint-Pierre – a fairytale building among the oldest in the Aosta Valley

History and description

Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the village of Saint-Pierre, the Castle of Saint-Pierre is one of the most fascinating symbols of the Aosta Valley, thanks to its fairytale‑like appearance and long history. First mentioned in a document from 1191, the castle is characterized by an elegant structure composed of several buildings, including a small courtyard surrounded by crenellated walls and a central square keep made unmistakable by the four circular corner turrets, which make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the region. Initially belonging to the De Sancto Petro family, over the centuries it passed into the hands of the noble De Quart, Challant, Savoy, and Roncas families, who in the 17th century transformed it into a noble residence, embellishing and expanding it. Over time, however, the castle fell into decline until 1873, when it was purchased by Baron Emanuele Bollati, who restored it and gave the building the romantic appearance it still retains today. At its feet stand the parish church of Saint-Pierre and the Romanesque bell tower. Since 1985, the castle has housed the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences “Efisio Noussan”, an interactive exhibition dedicated to Alpine nature, geology, and fauna, reopened to the public in 2022.

Curiosities

Thanks to its “fairytale” silhouette, the Castle of Saint-Pierre has often been used as a backdrop for photo shoots, illustrations, and even local film productions, becoming a visual icon of the region.

Access

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm, the castle can be visited with an admission fee of €10, with free entry and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

The Castle of Saint-Pierre is easily reachable by car via the A5 motorway, exiting at Aosta Ovest. Once in the village, visitors can park at the foot of the hill and walk up a short panoramic path.

Between history, nature, and architecture, the Castle of Saint-Pierre is a place that enchants and surprises.

Photo credits: Agmonsnir (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0