Visit the Savoia Castle in Aosta Valley

Where to stay near Savoia Castle?

Those who want to stay in Gressoney-Saint-Jean can find various solutions: traditional hotels, small bed & breakfasts, and rental apartments. Many accommodations are located in the town center, just a few minutes' walk from Lake Gover, making it convenient to reach the trail leading to the castle.

Larger hotels often offer views of Monte Rosa, while family-run B&Bs allow for a direct connection with the local atmosphere. It is advisable to book in advance during the high season.

Where to eat after visiting Savoia Castle?

There are no internal restaurants near the castle, but the town has several local eateries. The offerings range from Aosta Valley cuisine, featuring polenta and fontina, to traditional Walser dishes like supa alla valpellinentze.

Some restaurants are located along the main street of Gressoney-Saint-Jean, which is also reachable on foot from the castle. There are also bars and pastry shops for a quicker break.

What excursions can be combined with a visit to Savoia Castle?

The castle is perfect as a stop combined with a walk in the surroundings. Easy trails lead from Lake Gover to the scattered Walser villages throughout the valley.

For those seeking a more challenging hike, they can head towards Colle della Ranzola or choose scenic routes leading to Gressoney-La-Trinité. In summer, mountain bike trails are popular, while in winter, the same areas become routes for snowshoeing.

What to visit in Gressoney-Saint-Jean besides Savoia Castle?

The town has a small historic center with Walser-style houses, ancient churches, and the regional museum of Walser culture. Walking along the main street, you can find shops selling local products and artisan workshops.

Another attraction is Lake Gover, which in summer is a meeting point for walks and in winter becomes a natural ice skating rink.

What season is best to visit Savoia Castle?

Each season offers a different face. In spring, the botanical park is colored with alpine blooms, while in summer, the intense green and long days allow for combining the visit with excursions in the surroundings.

In autumn, the woods around the castle turn yellow and red, creating special atmospheres. In winter, even when the castle is closed, the exterior and the snow-covered park deserve a suggestive walk.

Are there useful services near Savoia Castle?

Yes, in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, there are a tourist office, pharmacy, grocery stores, and sports shops. Many facilities are concentrated around the main square.

Those arriving by car will find gas stations along the regional road, while those traveling by public transport will find the bus stop near Lake Gover, from where the pedestrian path to the castle also begins.

Is Savoia Castle accessible in case of snow?

The path connecting Lake Gover to the castle is passable even in winter, but it can be icy. In case of heavy snowfall, the park remains picturesque but less practical. It is advisable to wear suitable shoes and check the opening conditions, which are not continuous in winter.

What is the history of Savoia Castle?

Savoia Castle was built between 1899 and 1904 at the request of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who sought a holiday spot immersed in nature with a privileged view of Monte Rosa.

The project was entrusted to architect Emilio Stramucci, who had also worked on the Royal Palace in Turin. The building was designed in a neo-medieval style, with five towers of varying heights reminiscent of castles in Central Europe.

Inside, the castle preserves refined furnishings, wooden boiseries, and decorative details in Liberty style. Despite its elegance, the queen preferred to live simply and loved spending long days outdoors, surrounded by writers, scientists, and climbers.

After her death, the castle passed first to the royal family and then to the Italian state. Since 1981, it has been owned by the Aosta Valley Region, which has restored it and made it open to the public.

Today, it represents one of the most well-known cultural attractions in the valley, capable of combining the history of the Italian monarchy with the beauty of the alpine landscape.

What time should be considered for a complete visit to Savoia Castle and its surroundings?

The guided tour alone lasts about 45 minutes. If you add a walk in the park and a stroll through the town, it is advisable to allocate at least half a day.

Those who want to include a hike in the valley can dedicate the entire day, alternating the cultural part with the naturalistic part.