Exterior view

In the countryside of Italy in the Gothic period, the castles of the nobility retained their military aspect intact. The Fénis Castle in Val d'Aosta is a stronghold that conceal comfortable residential apartments in its interior.

The keep has a pentagonal layout, with towers at the corners. It is surrounded by a double boundary wall with battlements and by a series of watchtowers linked by a walkway. Despite his impressive defensive structure, the castle was not built for military purposes, but to serve as a prestigious residence for the Challant family.

View the plan of Fénis Castle.