Fort of the Brunetta, Military fort in Susa, Italy.

The Fort of Brunetta is a military installation built on a hilltop near Susa, consisting of several stone structures. The complex includes former barracks, a chapel, a hospital, and bastions that were partly carved directly from the rock itself.

Construction began in 1708 under the engineer Antonio Bertola, and the fortress was handed over about thirty years later. It incorporated the ruined Fort S. Maria and the Catinat redoubt. In 1796 Napoleon, after defeating the Kingdom of Sardinia, imposed the destruction of all the kingdom's fortifications, including Brunetta. After the Restoration it was not rebuilt; instead the Esseillon forts were built.

The fort took its name from the Brunetta height, a rock spur scoured bare by glacial erosion that overlooks Susa from the north. Its five bastions bore the names San Pietro, San Lazzaro, San Maurizio, Sant'Antonio and Santa Maria. Emperor Joseph II of Austria visited in 1769 and Tsar Paul I of Russia stayed there in 1791, both struck by the works.

The remains of the fort are located on private property along Via Novalesa in Susa and are viewable from outside. Access may be limited, so it is worth checking in advance about visiting conditions before planning your trip.

Despite its role as a major military installation, the fort never saw actual combat during its entire operational period. It functioned primarily as a deterrent and a symbol of control over the valley.