Unité des Communes Mont-Émilius Fénis
Where history meets beautiful naturalistic landscapes at the edge of the creek
Fénis, represents an unmissable stop for lovers of the Middle Ages, architecture and artistic beauty, but also for those who wish to immerse themselves in the evocative atmosphere of ancient noble residences.
It is home to one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the world, and visiting it is an unforgettable experience: walking through the gateway as Boniface I of Challant did in the early 15th century, strolling along the crenellated walls to the courtyard frescoed with a depiction of St. George slaying the dragon to save the princess, listening to the extraordinary story of the castle’s abandonment, its transformation into a stable and the long process of recovery.
Sitting by one of the windows and admiring the forests of Val Clavalité, untouched as in ages past, will make you feel like the noble ladies of the time, immersed in their world of embroidery and court life.
Every corner of the castle tells a piece of history and will make you relive fairy-tale atmospheres.
Fénis The History
Fénis has a very interesting history behind it that goes all the way back to the Salassi, a population that originated from the encounter between Italic peoples of Ligurian stock and Celtic invaders, who opposed the Roman conquest for more than a century (143-25 B.C.).
After the fall of the Roman Empire it suffered invasions by Burgundians, Goths and Lombards, before being annexed, like the whole region, to the Frankish dominions and later becoming part of the Comitatus of the Aosta Valley (10th century).
In 1242 it was enfeoffed by the Savoys to the powerful Challant family, loyal vassals, under the title of Visconti.
It belonged to the Challants until 1716 but always followed the fortunes of the rest of the region, from the establishment of the Duchy of Aosta (1416) to the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy.
The name of this small commune would seem to derive from the Latin noun FENILIS 'barn.'
Certainly a historical pillar of Fénis is what is described as one of the most beautiful manors in Italy, the stupendous Fénis Castle, which tends to overshadow other valuable vestiges of the past and in particular the Chenoz fort house (14th century) and that of the De Tillier nobles (16th century).
Castello di Fenis - Foto di Andrea Cozza
Whato do in Fénis
But Fénis is not only its priceless castle.
Near the ancient mansion is the “Tzanté de Bouva,” a vast green area that offers a picnic area nestled in a forest of oak, cherry, birch and ash trees, where you can relax and enjoy nature.
There is also a playground and sports area here for the younger ones.
In addition, a bicycle path starts from this area and offers a flat route of more than 5 km.
Nature and sports lovers can follow hiking trails that lead to the Saint-Julien Sanctuary and Mont Corquet.
Fénis also offers opportunities for ski mountaineering and snowshoeing enthusiasts in winter, while in autumn, chestnut festivals are celebrated, including the famous “Châtaigne d’or,” a festival dedicated to the quintessential autumn fruit.
Photo Castle of Fénis by Valerio Garbo @breaststroker_90 Photo of the Turati Bivouac Daniela Abate @lilvampy.jpg
Fénis January 18, 2025
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You can expect clear sky in the morning, with partly cloudy in the afternoon
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MAV – Museum of Traditional Valdostan Craftsmanship
Villa Montana - Hameau Chez Sapin 86 11020 FENIS (AO)
Unité des Communes Mont-Émilius
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