If you're thinking of visiting a unique place in the world but don't plan to leave Italy, in Piedmont you'll find the perfect destination for your day trip. Fenestrelle Fortress is also known as the Italian Great Wall and is the largest fortified complex in Europe. In fact, the name isn't entirely accurate, because it's not just a fort; the defensive structures number eight in total.
It is located in the Chisone Valley, near Turin, and feels like a place suspended in time, its beauty is unique in the world. The Piedmontese wall is actually made up of three forts: San Carlo, Tre Denti, and Delle Valli, all connected by the famous covered staircase consisting of about 4,000 steps. A true gallery that winds along the mountainside. mountain.
King Vittorio Amedeo II, in 1727, commissioned engineer Ignazio Bertola to design a defensive fortress defensive on what was then the border between France and Italy. The project was something unique: a wall enriched with various fortified structures, protecting the Chisone Valley from any foreign attack. The construction works lasted 122 years, and the result was the marvel we can still admire today. The buildings were abandoned and overrun by dense vegetation. The immense fortification was gradually turning into ruins. Only thanks to the intervention of a group of volunteersin 1990 was it possible to save it, reopen it to the public, and restore it to its former glory.
Fenestrelle Fortress: What You Can VisitThere are several routes organized to explore this fantastic and mysterious place. The longest itinerary lasts about nine hours, but there are also much shorter ones. In short, you can choose what to visit based on how much you want to walk. Certainly, a trip to the Piedmontese wall is a great opportunity for trekking in the Chisone Valley. Here is a list of some buildings you absolutely must visit.
1. San Carlo Fort
The largest in the entire complex, occupying about one-third of the total area. It houses all the main structures. Its name honors King Carlo Emanuele III, as it was built during his reign. It starts from the Sant’Ignazio Tenaglia, the extreme southwestern point, and extends on the French side through a series of 20 steps that ascend like a huge staircase.
2. Officers' Palace
As the name suggests, it was intended as lodging for officers and had 44 rooms. It was also a state and military prison with a fascinating history because some very notable historical figures were imprisoned there. Its underground still houses the kitchen with ovens and a water cistern.
3. Governor's Palace
The most important building in the entire fortress, it has three floors plus a basement. Definitely worth visiting are the large halls at the entrance and on the upper floor, which housed the Command Square. The third floor was the private residence of the governor.
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4. Royal Gate
This is the mainentrance to the entire fortress. Naturally, its use was exclusive to court members, ambassadors, and high-ranking officers. The building has three floors, and its portals are carved from Luserna stone. The ground floor housed the entrance hall, stables, and carriage houses. The other two floors were used as lodging and storage.
5. Military Quarters
Consisting of three three-story buildings located one behind the other on the slope. They served as barracksbut were also used as prisons. Below the military quarters is a structure called the Hospital, which had multiple uses.
6. Tre Denti Fort
This is the very first structure of the entire complex, built in 1692, even before the project. It was an old French fortlater conquered by the Piedmontese, who expanded and refurbished it. Equipped with six cannons in position, it was small but complete.
7. Valli Fort
This fort is actually made up of three different structures: Ridotta Belvedere, Ridotta Sant’Antonio, and Ridotta dell’Elmo. They were separated by very deep moats so that an attack on one would not compromise the defense of the others. They are close to each other and connected by covered galleries. different: the Belvedere Redoubt, the Sant’Antonio Redoubt, and the Elmo Redoubt. They were separated by very deep moats so that an attack on one of the three would not pose a problem for defending the others. They are still close to each other and connected by covered galleries.
Fenestrelle Fortress: A Must-Visit At Least Once in a LifetimeWe've told you about some of the main buildings that make up this stone giant in the heart of the Chisone Valley. In reality, there is much more to see and discover; this is definitely a magical and unique place in the world. Just the fact that it preserves the
original architectureintact is reason enough to dedicate a day to adventure among the palaces, galleries, and bridges of Fenestrelle Fortress. If you don't know who to organize this day trip with, join groups of enthusiasts like you; you can share the wonderful
experience of discovering a marvelous place with new people. to discover a wonderful place.