Castel Savoia stands in the municipality of Gressoney-Saint-Jean, nestled within the picturesque Lys Valley in the autonomous region of Valle d’Aosta. The village, lying at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif, is home to the Walser community, a people of Germanic origin who have preserved their distinctive traditions and architecture for centuries.
The surrounding landscape is dominated by forests of fir and larch, vast glaciers and traditional stone chalets, creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of the Alps at their most authentic.
Discover what to see and how to visit this remarkable place.
Queen Margherita’s summer residence
Construction of Castel Savoia began with the laying of the foundation stone on 24 August 1899, commissioned by Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was captivated by the landscape of the Lys Valley. The project was entrusted to the Turin-based architect Emilio Stramucci, who oversaw the building of the summer retreat between 1899 and 1904.
The Queen spent much of her holiday time in Gressoney until 1925, when she brought her regular visits to an end. After her death, the castle was sold in 1936 and later, in 1981, purchased by the Aosta Valley Region, which transformed it into a historic museum open to the public.
The architectural style of the Castle
Set amidst the woods of Belvedere, the building displays an eclectic style with strong neo-Gothic and neo-medieval influences, chosen by the Queen herself to lend the residence a fairy-tale and aristocratic character.
The façade is clad in local grey stone sourced from the quarries of Chiappey, Gaby, and Vert, and features five spired towers of varying heights and shapes that break the symmetry of the central structure.
Inside the castle: the grand staircase and private apartments
Inside, Castel Savoia still preserves much of its original allure. The main rooms are adorned with wooden panelling, coffered ceilings, stained-glass windows and some of the queen’s original furnishings.
The highlight of the interior is the grand semi-circular double staircase in oak, richly decorated with Savoy emblems and floral motifs, which links the noble floors.
On the first floor lie the private apartments of Queen Margherita, her son Victor Emmanuel III and the future King Umberto II. Although built in modern times, the residence retains details that evoke an aristocratic atmosphere from a bygone era.
The kitchens, for instance, were housed in a separate wing and connected to the main building by an electric tunnel, an exceptionally innovative feature for its time.
The alpine botanical garden and panoramic trails
The park surrounding the castle is home to the Alpine Botanical Garden of Castel Savoia, founded in the 1990s and designed in the style of a traditional rock garden.Here flourish characteristic Alpine species such as gentians, edelweiss and rhododendrons. Beyond the garden, several scenic trails link the castle with Lake Gover and the village of Gressoney-Saint-Jean. The most popular route, known as the Queen’s Path, takes about half an hour and winds gracefully through the forest, offering striking views of the surrounding mountains.
The opening hours of Castel Savoia vary depending on the season:
- from October to March, the castle is open from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm;
- from April to September, it is open all day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, including Mondays during the summer months.
- The castle is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Before planning a visit, it is advisable to check for any exceptional closures or ongoing restoration works.
Tickets, guided tours and access rules
Here’s what to know before visiting Castel Savoia:
- the full ticket costs €10, while the reduced ticket is €7 for groups of at least 25 people;
- visitors aged 19 to 25 pay €3, and admission is free for those under 18, visitors with
- disabilities and their companions, teachers, and Museum Pass holders;
- visits are only allowed with a guide, in groups of 20 to 25 people;
- online booking is recommended;
- pets are allowed only if small and kept in a carrier.
How to get to the Castle
To get to Castel Savoia by car, take the A5 Turin–Aosta motorway, exit at Pont-Saint-Martin, and follow the signs for Valle del Lys and Gressoney-Saint-Jean. There is a car park close to the castle, from which a short pedestrian path leads directly to the entrance. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Pont-Saint-Martin and continue by local bus, although travelling by car remains the most convenient option.
Article translated by Agnese Giardini
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