Castello Saint-Germain, Medieval castle in Montjovet, Italy.
Castello Saint-Germain is a fortress in Montjovet that sits on a rocky outcrop in the Aosta Valley, featuring a central tower with surrounding defensive walls. The ruins still show the typical layout of a medieval stronghold built to control mountain passages and valley traffic.
The De Mongioveto family built the fortress between the 11th and 12th centuries to collect tolls from travelers. It later became a key position for managing trade routes through the mountain terrain.
The fortress shows how local lords displayed power and controlled commerce through strategic architecture in this mountain region. Walking around the ruins, you can sense how the placement allowed them to watch over the valley and manage traders passing below.
The fortress currently remains closed to visitors because of safety concerns about structural collapses in the old fortification. You can view the structure from outside and enjoy the views from paths in the valley, where you can see the ruins from various positions.
The site was known as Mons Jovis during Roman times and served as a communication point using signal systems across the valleys. The fortress later took the name Saint-Germain, which reflects a completely different chapter in the area's story.
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