Aymavilles Castle: A Medieval Fortress and Residence in Italy

Visitor Information

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Official Website: valledaostaheritage.com

Country: Italy

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

Aymavilles Castle stands in the municipality of Aymavilles, Italy, and was originally built by medieval builders in the 13th century. It occupies a strategic position on a morainic hill overseeing the meeting point of the Dora Baltea and Grand Eyvia rivers in the Aosta Valley. This location was chosen due to its importance in controlling the central valley route along the ancient Roman consular road linking Milan (Mediolanum) to Lyon (Lugdunum), as well as providing access to nearby marble quarries in the Val di Cogne.

The earliest recorded mention of the castle appears in a document from May 1207, which describes it as a fortified residence or casaforte, similar in form to the castles of Écours and La Mothe. At that time, the structure was encircled by a protective wall designed to safeguard the inhabitants of the surrounding area. This early fortification was inspired by other castles in the region, specifically those at Cly and Graines.

In 1354, the Counts of Savoy granted control of the castle to the Challant family, particularly the branch known as Challant-Aymavilles. Under Aimone II de Challant, the castle saw significant expansion including the addition of an upper floor, an extension of the main tower or donjon toward the west, and the construction of a secondary defensive wall complete with a moat and drawbridge. These enhancements reflected growing concerns for defense and status during this period.

Moving into the early 15th century, Amadeus de Challant undertook further renovations by adding four cylindrical towers at the corners of the fortress. Each tower featured battlements with distinctive corbels for structural support, and two of the towers bore Guelph symbols, while the other two displayed Ghibelline motifs, representing the historical political factions of medieval Italy. These towers were interconnected by galleries and covered walkways known as loggias, with additional defensive turrets installed along the curtain walls, enhancing the castle’s protective capabilities.

By the 18th century, military purposes diminished, and in 1728 Baron Joseph-Félix de Challant initiated a transformation of the castle from a fortress into a comfortable residential manor. This involved demolishing the outer defensive structures including the moat and the second wall, while adding Rococo style features such as a grand double-ramp staircase at the entrance, an ornate baroque fountain in the garden, and elegant baroque loggias connecting the towers.

The longstanding ownership by the Challant family came to an end in 1857 following the death of Vittorio Cacherano Ozasco della Rocca-Challant. In the latter half of the 19th century, the castle changed hands several times. Among its private owners were Count Clemente Asinai Verasis di Castiglione, acquiring it in 1870, and Senator Giovanni Bombrini, who took ownership in 1882. During Bombrini’s tenure, medieval paintings were uncovered in the attic, adding to the historical understanding of the site.

In 1970, the Italian state acquired the property and later transferred it to the regional government of Aosta Valley. Starting in 2004, plans were developed for restoration, with official works beginning in 2013 and concluding in 2021. These efforts focused on preserving the castle’s architectural heritage and preparing it to serve as a museum. The castle reopened for public viewing by the end of 2021, with exhibitions highlighting the history of its owners, 19th-century collections, and items belonging to the Académie Saint-Anselme, including notable medieval art and sculptures. Both the castle and the nearby Pompiod mines are recognized as a Site of Community Interest, emphasizing their cultural and environmental value.

Remains

The castle is built on a square or quadrangular plan atop a morainic hill that slopes down toward the nearby Dora Baltea river. Its position amidst vineyards adds to the character of the site. The main fortress is distinguished by four cylindrical towers positioned at each corner. These towers date back to the early 15th century and feature battlements consisting of merlons—upright stone blocks—and corbels, known locally as beccatelli, which provide structural support. Two of the towers display Guelph emblems, while the other two incorporate Ghibelline designs, reflecting the historic rival factions of the region. The towers vary slightly in dimension and are connected by a network of galleries and open loggias, which allowed movement along the walls. Small defensive turrets are positioned on the curtain walls between the towers to strengthen protection.

The materials used in construction include tuff, a type of volcanic rock, and bardiglio marble, a greyish marble quarried locally from Val di Cogne. Originally, the castle had two lines of fortification: an inner wall around the main building and an outer defensive wall encompassing a moat with a drawbridge. During the 18th-century transformation into a residence under Baron Joseph-Félix de Challant, the outer fortifications, moat, and drawbridge were removed. This period also introduced Rococo architectural elements around the entrance, including oval windows, stucco decorations, and baroque loggias linking the towers.

Inside, the castle’s decoration reflects the 19th century, with painted walls and intricately adorned door panels and fireplace screens. The motifs range broadly from neo-Gothic to chinoiserie—the European interpretation of Chinese artistic styles—along with mythological, naturalistic, and neo-Egyptian themes. These decorations were carefully restored in the recent conservation process between 2013 and 2021.

The internal museum route spans four levels. The ground floor recounts the history of the challenging families associated with the castle, including the Challant and Bombrini families. The first floor displays 19th-century collections alongside artifacts from the Académie Saint-Anselme. On the second floor, personal items connected to Madame Josephine, as well as additional 19th-century pieces, are presented. The third floor focuses on the architectural development of the castle, where visitors can see the exposed wooden roof trusses dating to the 15th century accompanied by multimedia exhibits explaining their significance.

Adjacent to the main castle building is a smaller structure with a traditional stone roof, which once served as the stables and has been restored. Another nearby building, known as the “grandze”—a Valdostan term for a farm—serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions and events since 2020. Surrounding the castle lies a terraced park that descends toward the village. Designed between 1715 and 1728 by Baron Joseph-Félix de Challant, the park features a lined avenue of horse chestnut, cypress, and linden trees, along with a large baroque fountain. This formal garden continues to serve as a space for cultural activities and gatherings.