Fénis Castle

Fénis Castle stands in the Aosta Valley not on a crag but on a low, grassy hill on the valley floor. It is documented from at least 1242 and took its present form in the mid-14th century under Aimone di Challant: a pentagon with round corner towers, ringed by double crenellated walls. It was less a pure fortress than a noble residence.

The highlight is the large courtyard, where the wooden balconies are painted with sages and prophets holding scrolls in Old French. You will also find a fresco of St George above the staircase, an Annunciation with St Christopher (c. 1425–1430), the armoury, the refectory, the kitchens, the lord's rooms and the chapel. Allow about one to two hours to see the outside and the interior. Nearby there is a loop of about 5 km for cyclists at Tzanté de Bouva, as well as walking trails.