Graines Castle

Graines Castle consists of medieval ruins situated on a rocky ridge above Brusson, featuring defensive walls spanning roughly 80 by 50 meters (260 by 160 feet), a square tower, and an attached chapel. The remains show the typical layout of a fortified stronghold with areas for shelter and defense.

Saint Maurice Abbey received the fief through a royal grant in 515, and Benedictine monks built the fortification during the 11th century. This created an important defensive post to control the valley and protect the abbey's territorial holdings.

The Romanesque chapel displays fishbone brickwork patterns and contains a nave with a semicircular apse. This sacred space served the monks as a place of prayer and shows how spiritual life was woven into daily activities at the fort.

The ruins stand along the regional road from Verrès toward Ayas, accessed via a turning after the hamlet of Arcesaz in Brusson. The climb up is steep and requires sturdy footwear and time to properly explore the terrain.

The castle communicated with Bonot Tower and Villa Castle in Challand-Saint-Victor using flag and mirror signals, revealing a system of visual messaging across distances. These signal networks allowed rapid alerts between valley posts during times of danger or activity.

Location: Brusson

Address: Loc. Graines - 11022 Brusson (AO)

Website: https://regione.vda.it/cultura/patrimonio/castelli/graines-castello/default_f.aspx

GPS coordinates: 45.73827,7.75426

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45