Must-See Castles in the Aosta Valley

What castles can be seen in the Aosta Valley?

The Aosta Valley has the highest density of castles compared to any other Italian region. This is due to its strategic position: controlling the Alpine passes meant dominating trade and military routes.

Today, dozens of castles can be visited along the central valley and in the side valleys. Some are museums, others are suggestive ruins, and others have been restored with guided tours.

How to get to the Castle of Saint-Pierre?

The Castle of Saint-Pierre is located about 8 km from Aosta, along the state road leading to Courmayeur.

By car: just follow the SS26 towards Mont Blanc and the castle is immediately visible on the left, perched on a rocky spur. There is a convenient parking area at the base of the village, near the town hall, from which the castle can be reached on foot in a few minutes. During peak season, parking spots fill up quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early in the morning.

By public transport: buses from Aosta to Courmayeur stop at Saint-Pierre. From the stop, the walk up to the castle takes less than 10 minutes.

What to see inside the Castle of Saint-Pierre?

Inside the castle is the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences. It is housed in medieval rooms, between thick walls and panoramic windows.

The museum collects Alpine fauna, minerals, and fossils. The experience is unique because you walk through ancient stone halls admiring specimens of ibex, eagles, marmots, as well as reconstructions of the natural environment of the Aosta Valley.

The visit allows you to experience two experiences in one: that of the medieval castle and that of a journey into the Alpine nature.

What other castles are located near Saint-Pierre?

Just a few minutes by car, there are other must-see castles:

Castle Sarriod de La Tour: located also in Saint-Pierre, not far from the center. It is famous for its decorated rooms and a particular wooden ceiling with grotesque figures. Parking is easy thanks to a dedicated area near the entrance.

Castle of Aymavilles: recognizable by its four cylindrical towers. Recently restored, it now hosts temporary exhibitions. It is located less than 3 km from Saint-Pierre and is easily reachable by both car and bus from Aosta. Ample and convenient parking.

Where to start a castle itinerary in the Aosta Valley?

Many tourists start from Aosta, a central city well connected. From here, heading towards Courmayeur, you encounter the castles of Sarre, Saint-Pierre, Aymavilles, and then further on Avise and La Salle.

Continuing towards the lower valley, however, you find spectacular castles like Fénis, Issogne, and Verrès, which offer different atmospheres: Fénis with its towers and inner courtyards, Issogne with its famous frescoes, Verrès with its military might.

Which castles are visible from the highway?

Driving along the A5 highway, several castles can be spotted. Among the most evident are the Castle of Fénis, with its mighty walls, and the Castle of Verrès which dominates the entrance to the Val d’Ayas.

Seeing these castles from the road gives a taste of the historical richness of the region and often encourages stopping for a visit.

Is it difficult to park near the castles of the Aosta Valley?

It depends on the castle. Some have large parking lots, like Fénis or Aymavilles. In other cases, like Saint-Pierre, parking spots are limited, especially on summer weekends. In these cases, it's better to arrive early in the morning or take advantage of public transport that connects the villages well with Aosta.

Why are the castles of the Aosta Valley so close to each other?

The reason is historical and strategic: each lordship wanted to control the territory and the passage of goods. For this reason, the castles are built close to each other, often in panoramic points or along main roads.

Today this concentration makes it possible to visit multiple castles in the same day without having to travel long distances.