Royal castle of Cogne, Medieval castle in Cogne, Italy
The Royal Castle of Cogne is a medieval fortress standing beside the parish church, dominated by a massive tower structure spanning five floors. The building now houses twelve residential apartments and commands views of the Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc mountains.
The fortress first appears in records from 1191 when Bishop Gualberto of Aosta received permission from Count Thomas of Savoy to construct the building. In 1875, King Victor Emmanuel II. converted the structure into a hunting lodge and installed a telegraph office within it.
The fortress served as a gathering place where locals assembled at the sound of church bells to discuss community matters. This role shaped how people in the valley connected with one another.
The building now serves as a residential complex, with an elevator providing access throughout the structure. Since it remains a private residential property, exterior viewing is the main option for visitors.
King Victor Emmanuel II used the castle as his personal hunting ground in the Alps, making it an actual retreat for the royal family. The telegraph office he installed there was a direct link between the king and his distant territories.
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