Fénis Castle
Castello di Fénis
The most photogenic medieval castle in the Aosta Valley, ringed by multiple walls and towers, with a courtyard covered in 14th- and 15th-century Gothic frescoes.
Fénis Castle was enlarged by the Challant family in the mid-14th century and sits on a small hill on the valley floor. It has two outer walls with crenellations and many round and square towers, looking like an illustration from a fairy tale. The semicircular wooden staircase and arcades of the inner courtyard are decorated with Gothic frescoes, including St George slaying the dragon, along with mottoes written in Old French. Indoors, the kitchen, armoury and small chapel retain their furnishings. Visits are by guided tour only. It gets crowded in peak season, so book in advance. It is about 12 km east of Aosta, a 20-minute drive, or you can take the train to Nus station and walk about 3 km.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00 (summer); closed Mondays in winter; check official website
Nearby sights
- Castello Gamba
- Mont Avic Natural Park
- Arch of Augustus
- Collegiata di Sant'Orso
- Lake Place-Moulin
- Porta Praetoria
- Roman Theatre of Aosta
- Piazza Émile Chanoux