Day Trip · Valle d'Aosta
The Best Castles
of Aosta Valley
A perfect day trip from Turin
The Aosta Valley is probably the most "fairy-tale" destination within easy reach of Turin. In less than 1h30 by car, visitors can find medieval castles surrounded by mountains, vineyards and Alpine villages — many of them incredibly well preserved.
Suggested Day Trip Strategy
If you leave Turin around 8:00–8:30 AM, you can comfortably visit:
- 2 castles in depth + lunch + a panoramic stop
- or 3 castles with a faster pace
The easiest itinerary is along the A5 motorway toward Aosta, where most castles are located almost directly on the route.
Castle 1
Fénis Castle
The iconic postcard castle of the region
Why Tourists Love It
- Classic medieval castle look
- Beautiful internal courtyard with frescoes
- Easy access from motorway
- Perfect first stop from Turin
Insider Tip
Arrive early morning (before 10:00) to avoid tour groups and get the best photos without crowds.
Curiosity
The castle was abandoned for centuries and even used as a farmhouse before being restored in the 1800s.
Visitor Information
- Guided visits every 30 minutes
- Audio guides available in English and French
- Typically open Tue–Sun
- Apr–Sep: 9:00–19:00
- Oct–Mar: 10:00–17:00
Castle 2
Verrès Castle
The most dramatic and 'Game of Thrones-like' castle
Why Tourists Love It
- Extremely cinematic atmosphere
- Incredible panoramic views
- One of the most authentic medieval fortresses in Italy
Insider Tip
Wear comfortable shoes: the final path to the castle is uphill.
Curiosity
Every year the town hosts a historic carnival recreating medieval traditions connected to the castle and the Challant family.
Visitor Information
- Guided entry every 30 minutes
- Best visited in combination with nearby Issogne Castle
- Apr–Sep: 9:00–19:00
- Oct–Mar: 10:00–17:00
Castle 3
Issogne Castle
The elegant Renaissance surprise
Why Tourists Love It
- More intimate and elegant atmosphere
- Incredible Renaissance frescoes
- Famous iron pomegranate fountain in the courtyard
Insider Tip
Perfect for visitors interested in art, photography and history — less ideal for those expecting giant towers.
Curiosity
The frescoes depict bakers, merchants and craftsmen, giving a rare 'snapshot' of real medieval life.
Visitor Information
- Guided tours only
- Usually same regional opening schedule as the other castles
- Combine with Verrès for the perfect half-day route
Castle 4
Savoy Castle
The Alpine fairy-tale castle
Why Tourists Love It
- Unreal mountain scenery
- Romantic architecture
- Amazing in both summer and winter
Insider Tip
Combine it with lunch in Gressoney-Saint-Jean — one of the prettiest Alpine villages in northern Italy.
Curiosity
Queen Margherita loved this area so much she spent many summers here escaping Turin's heat.
Visitor Information
- Approximate ticket: €10 adults
- Apr–Sep: 9:00–19:00
- Oct–Mar: 10:00–17:00
Castle 5
Sarre Royal Castle
The royal hunting residence
Why Tourists Love It
- Different atmosphere from medieval castles
- Strong connection with Italian royal history
- Easy stop near Aosta city
Insider Tip
Combine it with a visit to Aosta and its Roman ruins.
Curiosity
The castle's famous 'trophy room' is covered with hundreds of ibex horns collected during royal hunting expeditions.
Visitor Information
- Guided tours every 30 minutes
- Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
- Open mostly Tue–Sun
Best Combinations for First-Time Visitors
Option 1 — Classic Castles
- Fénis
- Verrès
- Issogne
Option 2 — Royal & Scenic
- Sarre
- Aosta city
- Savoy Castle
Option 3 — Instagram Perfect
- Fénis
- Gressoney / Savoy Castle
- Scenic mountain stops
Food Stops Worth Trying
A castle day trip becomes much stronger if paired with local food. Look for these around Saint-Vincent, Arnad and Aosta:
- Fontina cheese tasting
- Local charcuterie
- Polenta concia
- Genepy liqueur
- Mountain wines from the Donnas / Arnad area
Useful Notes for Tourists
- Best period: May → October
- Most castles are closed on Mondays outside peak season
- Many visits are guided only
- Parking is usually easy and inexpensive
- Aosta Valley motorway tolls are relatively expensive compared to other Italian regions
- Driving from Turin is very easy and scenic
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