A symbol of medieval Valle d'Aosta, the castle of Fénis is famous for the evocative power of its towers and crenelated walls that make it one of the Region’s biggest attractions. Situated on a low rise with no natural defences, rather than a promontory or a hill, the manor has been the seat of the Fénis branch of the Challant family since 1716.
The castle is laid out on a pentagon with corner turrets, a massive tower on the south-western edge and a square tower on the southern edge. A double curtain wall with guard towers linked by a walkway surrounds the keep.
One of the square towers leads to the armoury, the solders and servants’ refectory, the pantry and the kitchen with huge fireplace on the ground floor. Going up to the first floor one finds: the chapel with antechamber; the master room; the family’s dining room and the hall of Justice, all decorated with a collection of antique furniture dating to the 15th-17th centuries.
The inner courtyard has a semi-circular staircase, crowned by a valuable fresco of St. George killing the dragon, and wooden balconies on the upper floor featuring wise men and prophets with aphorisms and morals in old French.
The Eastern wall has paintings of the Annunciation and of St. Christopher, dating to 1425-30, attributed to a painter close to the school of Giacomo Jaquerio.
Fondazione Film Commission Valle d'Aoste
Via Croce di Città 18 — 11100 Aosta
Phone: +39 0165 261790
Fax: +39 0165 261790
Email: amministrazione@filmcommission.vda.it
The courtyard is adorned by lush frescos, a grand staircase and wooden balconies.
