Fort Bard
Forte di Bard
A giant 19th-century fortress guarding the narrowest entrance to the Aosta Valley, now an Alpine museum and exhibition centre. A panoramic inclined lift takes visitors to the top.
The rock on which Fort Bard stands guards the narrowest entrance to the Aosta Valley. In 1800 it held back Napoleon's army for two weeks before being blown up. The House of Savoy rebuilt it between 1830 and 1838 as the grand, terraced fortress seen today. It now houses the Alpine Museum, the Children's Alpine Museum and the Museum of Borders and Fortresses, and often hosts photography and art exhibitions. The film Avengers: Age of Ultron was shot here. A panoramic inclined lift takes visitors up and down for free, while admission to each museum is charged separately. The village of Bard at the foot of the fort is one of Italy's most beautiful small towns. It is about 50 km from Aosta and can be reached by train to Hône-Bard station.
Opening hours
Closed Mondays; approx. 10:00–18:00 (extended on weekends); check official website
Nearby sights
- Roman Road of Donnas
- Roman Bridge of Pont-Saint-Martin
- Issogne Castle
- Verrès Castle
- Mont Avic Natural Park
- Castel Savoia
- Castello Gamba
- Gressoney Valley & Monterosa Ski