Skip menu

Castello di Verrès

Overview

Verrès Castle: home of a noble leader

An imposing monolith in a dominant position on a rock overlooking the ancient village and valley. This is Verrès Castle, a majestic monobloc manor built in the late 14th century by the Challant family, one of the most prestigious in the entire Aosta Valley.
All around, the picturesque landscape and unspoilt nature of the lower Aosta Valley bathed by the Dora Baltea.

The mule track leading to the manor house
As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel projected into a dimension of yesteryear. This is because you must follow a steep mule track to reach Verrès Castle, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Évançon stream: a ten-minute walk to forget civilisation and immerse yourself in another world.

Even from the village of Verrès it’s a 20-minute walk, a recommendable alternative to driving, for intense contact with the landscape. Another famous Aosta Valley castle stands on the other side of the Dora Baltea River, that of Issogne with a very different structure, in an interesting architectural contrast.

 

A revolutionary castle
The nobleman Ibleto di Challant started from a pre-existing complex and gave the manor its current appearance, choosing an innovative path compared to the region’s other castles, characterised by several buildings enclosed in a defensive wall. Instead here it is a single compact block, which emphasises the military function and attracts for its power.

 

The refined style of the interiors
The interiors are less austere: admire the grand staircase in the courtyard that connects the three floors, the ornamental work on the windows, doors and fireplaces, and the ornate white and green stone details created by the skilled craftsmen of the time. Don’t miss the Hall of Arms and the Dining Room, where you can see the detail of the serving hatch to the master kitchen.

 

The Middle Ages return here in May

Verrès Castle hosts the Historical Carnival, a re-enactment of the epic deeds of Countess Catherine of Challant, in a combination of historical events and fascinating legends. Between May and June each year, you can enjoy medieval costume parades, knights' tournaments and dances; a sumptuous banquet is also organised at the castle.

 

Strolling through the centre
From the castle, return to the village of Verrès, a small stone jewel whose origins date back to Roman times. Wander through the narrow streets and stairways, reach the small Place René de Challand, then walk along the cobbled street to the Collegiate Church and the Parish Church of Saint-Gilles. Climbing enthusiasts can stop at the climbing gym near the village in Chopine, with diversified walls suitable for everyone, including children.

 

Plunge into nature
The Arboretum trail starts from Verrès and goes up towards the entrance of Ayas Valley. The easy nature hike also offers a view of Verrès Castle from afar, so you can fully grasp its strategic and panoramic position on the plain. The route is also called Borna di Laou in patois, meaning Den of the Wolf, because legend has it that the animals built their den here in the 19th century.
You won’t encounter any ferocious beasts here today, only beautiful and varied vegetation that the educational signs will help you decipher. The native species include dogwood and hawthorn, followed by ash, chestnut and linden trees and a few rarities considering the area: medlar and laurel.

 

Cycling along the Dora Baltea
Verrès
is one of the stops of the Via Francigena: a long bike route. Here you pedal between continuous ups and downs mainly on the left bank of the Dorea Baltea, even on short mule tracks, on a route that touches on some of the most beautiful castles in Aosta Valley, including the Fortress of Bard, as well as scenic spots with peaks outlining the mountain skyline.

Castello di Verrès

Località Château, 11029 Verrès AO, Italia

Call +390125929067 Website

Related articles

Art and culture
Aosta Valley: medieval fortresses and ancient traditions on Europe's highest peaks

Aosta Valley: medieval fortresses and ancient traditions on Europe's highest peaks

Villages
Arvier, campanile e villaggio

The Aosta Valley Villages of Arvier, Introd and Morgex: Famous for Medieval Villages, Pope John Paul II and the HIghest Wine in Europe

Mountain
Aosta Valley: stress-free outdoor experiences among the highest peaks of the Alps

Aosta Valley: stress-free outdoor experiences among the highest peaks of the Alps

Mountain
Landscapes of Aosta Valley

Landscapes of Aosta Valley

Museums and monuments
The Aosta Valley and Its Castles

The Aosta Valley and Its Castles

Cycling tourism
Aosta Valley by bike: get your adrenaline rush at Pila Bikeland

Aosta Valley by bike: get your adrenaline rush at Pila Bikeland

Luxury
Aosta Valley: brief guide for an exclusive holiday

Aosta Valley: brief guide for an exclusive holiday

Spirituality
Aosta Valley: gateway to the Via Francigena in Italy

Aosta Valley: gateway to the Via Francigena in Italy

Relax and wellness
Aosta Valley: snow, taste and well-being

Aosta Valley: snow, taste and well-being

Mountain
The Skyway Monte Bianco cableway at Courmayeur: feeling on top of the world

The Skyway Monte Bianco cableway at Courmayeur: feeling on top of the world

Sustainability
valle d'aosta living is sustainable living

Valle d'Aosta living is sustainable living

Food and wine
Aosta Valley and its legendary grappa

Aosta Valley and its legendary grappa

Food and wine
Mountain flavors: the typical products of the Aosta Valley

Mountain flavors: the typical products of the Aosta Valley

Art and culture
The Great St Bernard Pass: following the footsteps of pilgrims

The Great St Bernard Pass: following the footsteps of pilgrims

Mountain
What to do in Cervinia on winter weekends

What to do in Cervinia on winter weekends

Art and culture
530102787

Discover Aosta: pristine landscapes and historic villages, churches and castles

Food and wine
Valle d'Aosta, flavours at high altitude

Valle d'Aosta, flavours at high altitude

Cycling tourism
ebike in valle d'aosta

Cycling and e-biking routes: in the Aosta Valley you'll be spoilt for choice

Nature
The Chanousia Botanical Garden, for a thrilling experience

The Chanousia Botanical Garden, for a thrilling experience

Nature
Cervinia and Its Valley

Cervinia and Its Valley

Ops! An error occurred while sharing your content. Please accept profiling cookies to share the page.