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This fortress stands on top of the promontory overlooking the village of Arnad, next to the entrance to Machaby Valley. It is now in ruins because it has been abandoned for centuries – public access is not allowed for safety reasons. The structure can be visited only externally, thanks to some recent renovation works by the Aosta Valley Region.

The castle features an irregular plan presumably dating back to the XIII-XIV centuries. For sure, it can be said that it was made of two main buildings, connected by a recessed body and thus leaving some room for the internal square. The building facing east, including the keep, is the oldest. The surrounding wall on the south and west sides ends with a circular watchtower, flanked by another similar structure that offered protection to the main entrance. Both buildings are surmounted by battlements.

The castle was originally inhabited by the De Arnado noble family, the first owners of this fiefdom, but in 1239 the residence was held in co-lordship with Guglielmo di Bard, who had come into its possession thanks to the Savoy family. In 1351, the castle supposedly passed into the hands of the Vallaise family.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)