Castle of Verrès – The guardian of the Ayas Valley

History and Description

Amid the mountains of the Aosta Valley, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the village of Verrès, stands one of the most majestic examples of medieval military architecture in the Alpine region: the Castle of Verrès. Built in the second half of the 14th century by Ibleto of Challant, it was designed as a single-block fortress, an innovative concept for its time, with the entire complex enclosed in one compact structure, without towers or outer curtain walls.

The castle’s austere, geometric appearance—a massive stone cube measuring thirty meters per side—makes it unique among Valdostan castles. Its walls over two meters thick, along with machicolations and arrow slits, reflect its original defensive purpose. Inside, a large central courtyard leads to a monumental stone staircase with ramping arches, connecting the various floors once used as storerooms, armories, and noble quarters.

In the 16th century, Renato of Challant commissioned Spanish architect Pietro de Valle to modernize the structure, adapting it to the era’s firearms. After its decline in the 17th century, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin until the 19th century, when Alfredo d’Andrade, superintendent of monuments, promoted its restoration and returned it to its former glory.

Curiosities

• A captivating legend surrounds the castle: in 1449, Countess Catherine of Challant and her husband Peter of Introd, seeking the people’s favor, descended into the village square and danced with the locals. This event is still reenacted annually during the Historical Carnival of Verrès, when ladies and knights revive the castle’s medieval splendor.
• The Castle of Verrès also inspired Alfredo d’Andrade in the construction of the Medieval Village Fortress in Turin in 1884, a symbol of 19th-century neo-Gothic revival.

Access Information

The Castle of Verrès is open year-round, with guided tours only, allowing visitors to explore the courtyard, main halls, and panoramic battlements.

Opening hours:

• April – September: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• October – March: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Tickets:

• Full: €8
• Reduced: €6
• Free admission for children under 6

Services: Bookshop, educational tours, and historical reenactments

How to Get There

 Location: Piazza René de Challant, Verrès (AO), at the entrance to the Val d’Ayas

• On foot: Reachable in about 10–15 minutes via a scenic mule track from the historic center
• By car: Park in the lower lots or at the town entrance (coach parking available)

• By train: The Verrès station is just a few minutes’ walk from the trailhead

  photo credits of megaconstrucciones.net