The castle of Fénis, located in the municipality of the same name, is one of the most famous medieval manors in the Aosta Valley.
Known for its scenic architecture, with the double crenellated walls that enclose the central building and the numerous towers, the castle is one of the major tourist attractions in the region and one of the best preserved medieval castles in Italy.
Unlike the other castles, built for war and protection purposes, the castle of Fénis is not located on the top of a promontory, but on a slight hillock without natural defenses. it was in fact the prestigious seat of representation of the greatest exponents of the Challant family, who endowed it with the imposing defensive apparatus, as well as elegant pictorial decorations, symbols of power and prestige.The architecture of the castle of Fénis is the result of successive construction campaigns over the years: towers and crenellated walls were added towards the middle of the fourteenth century by Aimone di Challant to the pre-existing tower, already the habitual residence - a century earlier - of Viscount Gotofredo II.
The castle of Fénis belonged to the lords of Challant of the Fénis branch until 1716, when it was sold to Count Baldassarre Castellar di Saluzzo Paesana. The events that marked the history of that family led the manor to a slow decay, a prelude to the abandonment that saw it transformed into a rural home: the rooms on the ground floor were used as stables, while the first floor was used as a barn. monument is due to Alfredo d'Andrade, who bought the castle of Fénis in 1895 and, after having restored the most ruined parts, donated it to the State. Today the building is owned by the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta.
DowntownRDB Posted at 11-9 04:38
Absolutely amazing footage Marco. I love the architectural design of that marvelous castle. Great choice in background music.