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Fenis Castle

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Aosta Valley, Fenis

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Aosta Valley, Fenis

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The Castle of Fenis (Castello di Fénis) is one of the most famous medieval castles in Italy, located in the autonomous region of Aosta Valley in the north-west of the country. Unlike most feudal fortresses built on inaccessible cliffs, this castle is located on a low hill and has always been primarily a prestigious residence rather than a defensive structure. The first mention of the castle is found in a document from 1242, where it is listed as the property of the influential Viscount Challant family. · Flourishing (1320-1420): Under Aimon Shallan and his son Boniface I, the castle acquired its current appearance. Boniface I turned it into a rich aristocratic court by inviting artists to paint the walls. · Decline: In 1716, the bankrupt Challans sold the castle. It fell into disrepair, was used as a barn and even as a hay barn. · Renaissance: In 1895, architect Alfredo d'Andrade bought the ruins and began a large-scale restoration, thanks to which the castle was saved. Now it belongs to the region and operates as a museum. The architecture of Fenice is a classic medieval silhouette due to the double battlements and towers, but it is a "theatrical" defense. · Layout: The castle has the shape of a pentagon with powerful round towers at the corners. It is surrounded by a double wall with loopholes and hinged loopholes (machicolations). · Courtyard: The main gem of the castle is a small courtyard. In the center of it is a semicircular stone staircase with wooden balconies. This place was the center of social life. Fenice is famous for its early 15th-century frescoes by the Piedmontese artist Giacomo Jaquerio and his school. · St. George and the Dragon: The wall above the staircase depicts the victory scene of St. George, symbolizing the ideal of chivalry. Sages and prophets: The walls of the balconies are painted with figures of ancient sages holding scrolls with aphorisms in Old French. You can also see a character in an Arab costume here, a reminder of the owners' participation in the Crusades. The castle is divided into three floors: 1. Ground floor: Armory, kitchen, storerooms and rainwater collection tank. 2. Second floor (Piano Nobile): State rooms, bedrooms of the owners and a small chapel with frescoes on religious subjects. 3. Third floor: Servants' and guests' rooms.

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