Ussel Castle, Medieval castle in Châtillon, Italy
Ussel Castle is a rectangular fortress standing on a rocky outcrop in Châtillon, defined by two round towers on the southern side and two square towers on the northern facade. The structure features large fireplaces arranged in ascending order throughout its interior spaces.
Ebalo II of Challant built this fortress in the mid-14th century as the first single-structure castle design in the Valle d'Aosta region. The construction marked a significant shift in local fortress design and military architecture.
The castle displays Gothic architectural details such as pointed-arch windows decorated with floral and geometric patterns that reflect the craftsmanship valued in the region during the Middle Ages. These decorative elements show how medieval builders expressed their skill and artistic vision.
Visits are available on select weekends and are limited to 25 people per group to manage access carefully. You can explore the ground floor and one upper-level room during your tour.
The castle rests on serpentinite rock that is separated from the mountain by the Aosta-Ranzola geological fault. This unusual foundation provided a naturally defensible location and offers views across the Valtournenche valley.
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