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Ussel Castle was built by Ebalo II of Challant on a living rock, between 1341 and 1345. The Ussel construction site took care of the whole complete structure in just one go, thus creating the first “monobloc” castle ever built in the Region

With the extinction of the Challant family, at the end of the 1400s, the castle fell into neglect after being used a prison for a while, but its sturdiness helped to slow down its downfall.
In 1983, Baron Marcel Bic, an entrepreneur from Chatillon (the famous producer of ballpoint pens), bought the castle and then donated it to Valle d’Aosta Region.
Proper restoration work began in 1988 and ended ten years later; the castle was thus turned into an exhibition facility for the regional culture and art, as well as a place for temporary art galleries.

During the renovation, the manor was fitted with a transparent dome cover and a staircase leading to the roof and the battlements.

The castle features a rectangular plan and on the south corners, it has two cylindrical turrets that were originally connected by a walkway protected by a crenellated parapet. On the south side, there is also the main entrance surmounted by a machicolation. On the north side, protected by natural defences, the castle features soaring square towers, including the keep in the centre: a symbolic element evoking the power of the resident feudal lord.
Three-quarters of the elevation runs a horizontal band formed by a series of blind arches, carved in stone, with all different windows.

Inside, there are the original monumental fireplaces, with large shelves, positioned in such a way as to exploit a single flue.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)