Forte di Fenestrelle (Piedmont): what to see


post-title

What to see at Forte di Fenestrelle, history and itinerary to visit this spectacular defensive work, a great wall of considerable historical interest, formed by suggestive fortified structures.


Tourist information

Located in the Val Chisone in the province of Turin, the Forte di Fenestrelle, whose name derives from the location in which it is located, constitutes an extraordinary fortified complex, developed for a length of over three kilometers on the mountain slope, covering about six hundred meters in altitude .

The imposing fortification, also known as the great Piedmontese wall and considered the largest Alpine fortress in Europe, was commissioned by King Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy, as a defensive work against possible attacks by the French army.


Designed by the engineer Ignazio Bertola, the construction of the Fort, which began in 1728, ended in 1850, or one hundred and twenty-two years later.

The complex consists of eight defensive works of various sizes, connected to each other through internal and external paths, in particular by a covered staircase protected by very thick walls, consisting of 3996 steps that go up the slope of the mountain, forming a gallery more than two kilometers.

What see

At the height of the Forte Tre Denti is the panoramic Scala Reale, which winds around 3000 steps above the roof of the Covered Staircase, reaching an altitude of 1800 meters where the Forte delle Valli is located.


The Fort of Fenestrelle, which has never been the scene of major battles, has served as a lookout and a state prison.

Finished in a state of neglect after the Second World War, thanks to the Associazione Progetto San Carlo Forte-di Fenestrelle Onlus, today the Fort has become a very fascinating monumental complex of great interest to visitors, who can admire its architecture and its history through various types of routes, including a visit to Forte San Carlo with Piazza d'Armi, the buildings of the Governor and Officers, the Church, the military quarters and the powder keg,

These fortified structures, together with the spectacular artillery posts, called Risalti, follow one another along the steep ridge of the mountain.

The Fenestrelle Fortress Italy - Val Chisone | Drone Aerial Footage (March 2024)


Tags: Piedmont
Top