Pramotton Tower – a medieval fortress immersed in nature

History and description

Built in the 13th century by the Lords of Bard to control the valley’s borders and maintain a vantage point over the fortress, Pramotton Tower was continuously garrisoned by the Bard militias and later by the Savoy. It is a hexagonal structure with six battlements, characterized by a raised entrance door, a defensive curtain wall, and wooden floors.

Curiosities

The tower is the first landmark visible from the Piedmont plain and offers a strategic 360-degree panoramic view over the town, from which one can see the Fort of Bard, the Lys River, the castle of Pont-Saint-Martin, and the surrounding landscape.

Access

The site can be visited free of charge through guided tours or scheduled visits. It is reached via an easy hiking trail, about one kilometer long with a slight elevation gain, which takes around 50 minutes to climb.

How to reach it

The building can be reached by car or bus via the A5 motorway toward Donnas, though it is recommended to walk from Pramotton, enjoying the surrounding environment rich in chestnut woods.

A hidden gem of the Aosta Valley, Pramotton Tower is a well-preserved example of medieval fortification that today offers visitors a complete experience of both history and nature.

Photo Credits: Crivellari Giulio (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0