Castello di Fénis

Very well restored castle in western Italy. Visit is by your only which seems to leave every half hour. Out guide did not speak English but tried nevertheless very hard to accommodate us, which was not an issue because there are good explanation signs at each stop. A very interesting historical site dating back to the 1200's.

Elegant castle from the 12th century and now owned and administered by the province of Aosta. It has been completely restored from being close to a ruin, including the many indoor and outside paintings depicting religious and noble figures. You cannot visit the castle on your own and have to wait till a guide becomes available which precludes too many people inside the premises at one time. There is a lot to be learnt about how nobles lived and traveled during past centuries including why three legged chairs were used to avoid tipping over on the uneven floor surfaces. It made me remember growing up on the tree legged chair "the ant" designed by the famous Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in the 1950-s. So nothing is really new under the sun...

A classic pentagonal fortress, with towers and walls, long abandoned and used by the locals as a warehouse until its restoration, commissioned by an architect on behalf of the State. The large fireplace in the center of the castle is beautifully designed taking into account the cold and the need to keep the interior warm. The visit lasts about an hour, guided only, with numerous insights into the history of the castle and small peculiarities of the past, such as the almost sitting position during the night's rest so as not to be mistaken for a deceased person or the small faces engraved on the towers to keep evil spirits away. Dogs allowed in a carrier. It is recommended to purchase one of the many tourist cards of the Aosta Valley to be able to visit all the sites and castles of the region.

Stunning from the outside. Pretty basic and repetitive on the inside. Rooms are not decorated, but display a loooot of wooden chests. Only visitable with Italian guide, every half hour. English audiotour available, which provides similar info as the panels in the rooms. You need to give them your id to get a audiotour.

Fantastic castle. Super well preserved and displayed, even without an English option on the tour, there are signs covering a lot of the content and even then, the castle speaks for itself for a majority of it. This is a must stop if you are in the Aosta Valley! Very details, appealing and sets itself of from its backdrop. Gotta go up the path past it for a little bit so you can get the castle with the valley and then the mountains on the other side behind that. Spectacular contrast to.make the castle stand out and accentuate the valley it resides in. Lots of detail inside and out. Well worth the tour, although the exterior is certainly admirable on its own. This seems to be one of the most picturesque castles in the valley ( at least from the exterior)! Don't miss it.

A great piece of history, in fantastic condition. Roberto was an excellent tour guide. He went out of his way to explain in English many highlights.

A unique experience, the castle is located on a hill with breathtaking views. Inside, it still has items from its time.

Interesting history. You must go inside only with a tour, no self guided tours. Amazing artwork frescoes.