VAL D'AOSTA

It has been many years since we toured this Region but I still remember the gray rock and an austere appearance of many of the towns.

We drove from France through the Monte Blanc tunnel and then drove though Courmayeur and Oasta, Fenis, Issogne and some of the other towns where castles or fortifications still stand.

Aosta

This is the capital of the Region and it has a long history. It was established in 25 BC by Ceasear who wanted to establish a military post at this key location. In those days of course there was no tunnel, and the main through was the Colle del Gran St. Berenard which takes the traveller right to Aosta.

You can walk through the gate the Romans built and there are remains of other strucftures.

The cathedral dates from the 11th Century with stain glass windows and a mosaic floor. The Church of St. Orso is also from the 11th Century and it is decorated with frescoes.

Fenis

About 13 km from Aosta is Fenis. Here is one of the largest of the feudal castels in the area. It dates from the 12th Century. It is amazing to think how the towers and walls still stand today. Yes there was a rebuilt in the 14th and 15th Century, but still, this is in very good shape.

This castle sits on a "little hill" not a high rocky cliff as you will see of some of the other structures that remain. That is because it was not built as a military defense strucure, but as a residence for the Challant Family.

In 1895 the castle was sold to an architect, d'Andrade, who we can thank for the work to repair damage that had taken place over the many years. In 1935 restoration was started again.