Château d'Alex, Fortified house in Alex, France
Château d'Alex is a fortified house featuring a square tower and a Gothic entrance gate that once monitored the route between Annecy and Thônes and the Fier valley. Today, only portions of the living quarters remain, with the tower and portal serving as the primary surviving elements of the original structure.
Built in the 14th century, it initially belonged to the Clets lords before passing to the Alex family in 1340 and later to the Arenthon d'Alex through marriage. Between 1884 and 1894, the structure underwent substantial demolition, resulting in the loss of much of its original fabric.
From 2001 to 2014, it housed the Salomon Foundation for Contemporary Art and functioned as a hub for artistic exhibitions and cultural events in the region. This period transformed the site into a center for creative expression and public gatherings.
The site is accessible on foot with views of the remaining structures from the exterior. Note that the building can only be seen from outside, as the interior is not open to the public.
Jean d'Arenthon d'Alex, born here in 1620, went on to become Prince-Bishop of Geneva and oversaw significant religious construction in the region. His connection to this castle illustrates how birthplaces of the nobility were intertwined with regional religious and political history.
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