Exilles: Fortress, Chapels and Mountain Landscapes

Fortress and Historical Sites

The Forte di Exilles already existed as a structured complex by 1155 at the latest and is considered one of the oldest architectural monuments and defense systems in Piedmont. Between 1681 and 1687, the famous and mysterious person known as the “Maschera di Ferro” stayed at the Forte di Exilles. The Forte di Exilles was opened to the public on July 8, 2000. Inside are two museum areas with particularly innovative exhibitions. Guided tours of the Forte di Exilles provide access to hidden areas of the fortress and lead through rooms and corridors once used by soldiers and prisoners.

At the foot of the Forte di Exilles, near the entrance, there is a large free parking lot. From there, the Forte di Exilles is conveniently and easily accessible. Pierre Odiard had the Cappella di San Rocco e San Sebastiano built as a private votive chapel in 1660. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian the Martyr. It was probably built from stone taken from an older demolished building, as indicated by remains of pre-Christian low-relief carvings.

In Deveys, the Cappella di San Biagio e San Pietro Apostolo can confidently be dated to the second half of the 15th century based on the interior frescoes rediscovered during recent restorations. There is also an anthropomorphic fountain from 1773 at the entrance to Deveys.

Deveys and the Tradition of Grappa

Since 2013, the premises in Deveys have housed the Museo della Grappa “Gianfranco Joannas”. The museum was founded to preserve and promote the tradition of wood-fired distillation, which remains alive in the area. During the first days of December each year, the wood-fired still in Deveys is made available to the community’s winegrowers to produce their own grappa.

Hikes and Mountain Landscapes

The hike to San Colombano is a short tour along the old mule track connecting the main settlement of Exilles with San Colombano. The hike to San Colombano passes through mixed woodland and along rock outcrops, offering views of the Forte di Exilles.

The route to Monte Chabrière at an elevation of 2,401 meters is an easy, short hike. The route to Monte Chabrière follows the path to Passo Galambra and Bivacco Mario Sigot; a turnoff leads to the summit cross. From the summit of Monte Chabrière at 2,401 meters, the view extends across the middle valley with Rocciamelone and the upper valley with Chaberton to Monte Niblé and the watershed on the border.

Many mountains of the Massiccio d’Ambin lie within the municipality of Exilles at the upper end of the Vallone di Galambra, which opens on the orographically left side of the slope. The Rifugio Levi Molinari is the most important of three bases in the Vallone di Galambra. The Rifugio Levi Molinari is located at an elevation of 1,850 meters near the hamlet of Grande della Valle, in an area of outstanding natural value.

The Anello di Cima Quattro Denti hike passes by the famous “Pertus” of Colombano Romean.

Bus Connection

The Sadem bus route 286 connects Exilles with nearby towns, including Susa and Oulx.

Further destinations: Cuorgnè, Caprie, Torre Pellice, Valprato Soana, Busano, Oulx, Monti, Villar Pellice

To the overarching travel overview: Turin.