Castello Reale di Sarre

About

Sarre Castle (Castello di Sarre, Château de Sarre) is a magnificent château perched on a hill overlooking a stretch of the A5 motorway in the quiet village of Sarre, Aosta Valley, northern Italy. Its current form dates to the early 18th century, when a wealthy industrialist, Jean‑François Ferrod d’Arvier, demolished the medieval stronghold and rebuilt it in a Baroque‑influenced style, preserving only the central tower. Traces of the original 13th‑century fortified house can still be seen in the masonry and the layout of the surrounding walls. In 1869 the château entered the possession of the House of Savoy when King Victor Emmanuel II acquired it as his favourite hunting lodge. The castle thus became a seasonal residence for several Italian monarchs, including Umberto I, Umberto II and their families, who lavishly decorated the interiors with hunting trophies and period furnishings. During the early 20th century the complex was modernised, the stables were expanded, and the royal chapel was given Baroque ornamentation. After the monarchy’s dissolution the castle passed to the Italian state and, in 1989, to the Aosta Valley Region. Extensive restoration work was carried out before the property opened to the public. Today visitors can wander through the well‑preserved rooms that depict royal life, admire the trophy gallery, explore the modest royal chapel, and stroll the surrounding gardens that offer sweeping views of the Alpine valleys. Whether you are fascinated by aristocratic history, architectural evolution, or simply seek picturesque vistas, Sarre Castle promises an evocative journey into the past of northern Italy.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes