The Fenestrelle Fort is the largest fortified structure in Europe and the most extensive masonry construction since the Great Wall of China. A stone giant that stretches about five kilometers into the Chisone Valley and covers an elevation difference of nearly 700 meters. The only one among Piedmont's 18th-century forts that still has its original architecture, it was designed by engineer Ignazio Bertola to protect the French-Italian border. It is located within the Orsiera-Rocciavré Regional Natural Park and has been the symbolic monument of the Province of Turin since 1999.
More than a fort, it can be considered a barrage. It is composed of several forts, (San Carlo, Tre Denti, Sant'Elmo and Valli), powder magazines, a medieval quarter that served as a fortress and a quarter for the troops, all connected by reduced and mighty gunboats and that admirable work that makes Fenestrelle Fort even more unique and impressive: the covered staircase of about 4,000 steps, carved into an artificial tunnel of almost two kilometers.
It is on the parade ground of Fort St. Charles that all the most representative buildings of the entire defense complex face each other: the governor's palace, the officers' pavilion, and the church; the long covered staircase that connects every part of the vast fortress also starts from the parade ground. Inside Fort St. Charles there are also three military quarters, the powder magazine of St. Ignatius, the risalits, the royal gate, and numerous other buildings used as depots, workshops, infirmary, and guardhouses. Absolutely not to be missed.
THE STORY
The Fenestrelle Fort project dates back to 1727 and was conceived by engineer Ignazio Bertola at the request of King Victor Amadeus II. The wondrous work would have been a barrage in the Chisone valley against foreign invasions. Construction began in 1728 below and continued for more than a century, closing in 1850, creating Europe's largest Alpine fortress. A military garrison and defensive bulwark, it was also a state prison.
Abandoned at the end of World War II since 1990, the fort has come back to life, becoming a cultural and tourist landmark in the area thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the San Carlo Onlus Project Association.
Fortress in numbers
-
3 km in length;
-
1,300,000 sq. m;
-
3 Forts, 7 Reductions, 28 Risings;
-
Covered Staircase: 4000 steps;
-
Royal Staircase: 2500 steps;
-
122 years of construction;
-
14 connecting bridges;
-
5 internal drawbridges;
-
183 beacons for illumination.
Gallery
Address
- Forte di Fenestrelle
- 1 Via del Forte, Fenestrelle (TO)
- Find on the map.
Opening Hours
From September to June, the Fortress is open daily, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with hours:
- morning: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- afternoon 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
In July and August it is open daily with hours:
- morning: 09:00 - 13:00
- afternoon: 14:30 - 18:00
