Fenestrelle Fort, Military fort in Piedmont, Italy
Fenestrelle Fort is a fortification system in Fenestrelle, Piedmont, Italy, that runs along three altitude levels on a mountain slope. Three main strongholds connect through a continuous covered stone staircase system.
Construction began in 1728 following a design by Ignazio Bertola and lasted more than a century. In the 19th century the compound served as a prison for political prisoners during the Italian unification movement.
The name comes from the Latin term for small windows that once dotted the old buildings here. Today the structure stands as a protected monument and draws hikers who walk along the stone walls and sense Italy's past.
Several guided tours are available, from short walks through the lower fort to long routes covering thousands of stair steps. Sturdy shoes and some fitness are advisable, as the paths are steep and partly uneven.
Alexandre Dumas visited the fortress and used elements from it as inspiration for his prison castle in The Count of Monte Cristo. The internal staircase with nearly 4000 steps is one of the longest covered stair systems in Europe.
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