Discover the Fascinating History of Aymavilles Castle
Aymavilles Castle in the Aosta Valley is a historical gem worth visiting.
We were in Valle d'Aosta planning to tour the castles. But, looking at the map and timing, we realized visiting them all in one trip was impossible. There are just too many, spread across the valley.
In the end, we decided to focus on one, the Aymavilles Castle. We had seen it on Instagram earlier and were intrigued by its unusual shape, more elegant than defensive.
We drove there from Aosta: a bit over 20 minutes, no problem. It was me and my wife, and we wanted to combine the visit with something more active. Aymavilles is also a great starting point for hikes, through vineyards and trails leading to higher areas towards the Cogne valley.
The castle sits on a small hill surrounded by vineyards, in a very open spot. From outside, you immediately notice its structure: a square layout with four cylindrical towers at the corners. Compared to other castles in the valley, this one looks less "military" and more residential, due to changes over time.
Inside, the visit is well-organized. You can enter without a guide, thanks to video installations and panels explaining each room. However, we chose the guided tour, paying 15 euros each instead of 10 for the self-guided visit. For us, it was worth it because it gave a clearer understanding of the castle's rooms and history.
A bit of a strange detail: the elevator was out of service during the visit. Not a problem for everyone, but something to consider.
Today, the castle is a museum hub. It also hosts 19th-century collections and part of the Académie Saint-Anselme's collection. You can feel this mix inside, with historic spaces and modern installations.
Overall, it's worth visiting if you're nearby or want a cultural stop between excursions.
In the evening, from outside, it feels different. From the village below, it looks like a fairy tale with its lit-up towers. The atmosphere around is unique, slower and more intimate compared to other more touristy areas.
After the visit, we stopped at Vinosteria Antirouille. Prices were great, and the local cheese selection was amazing, perfect to end the day.
