Fenestrelle: Fortress, History and Gofri

Fortress and nature park

The Forte di Fenestrelle consists of the three fortified complexes of San Carlo, Tre Denti and Delle Valli. A tunnel connects the complexes; it contains a covered staircase with 4,000 steps. The Collezione del Governatore at the Forte di Fenestrelle displays more than 300 species of stuffed animals. The tour Sui Passi del De Amicis allows visitors to see a section of the covered staircase of the Forte di Fenestrelle and follows the route described in Edmondo De Amicis’ book Alle Porte d’Italia.

Fenestrelle is one of the municipalities within the Orsiera Rocciavrè Nature Park. As a result, the local landscape includes not only the fortress but also a nature park that encompasses the municipality of Fenestrelle.

Historical traces in the village

The Donjon is a historic district east of the Rio del Puy. Many of Fenestrelle’s oldest houses are located there; in times of danger, the Donjon served as the village’s fortified refuge.

The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Luigi IX contains a painting of Saint Carlo donated by Cardinal Pacca, a commemorative plaque for the architect Varino De La Marche, and notable paintings in the choir. From 1809 to 1811, Cardinal Pacca was Napoleon’s prisoner in the fortress of Fenestrelle.

In 1685, Louis XIV established a fund of 60,000 lire for the construction of new churches in his territories in the Chisone Valley. In Fenestrelle, the present-day church was dedicated to Saint Louis IX.

At the Convento on Via del Convento, the ruined façade of the Jesuit church can still be seen. A fresco dating from 1600 is located on the Casa Martin.

Guided tours

The Forte di Fenestrelle offers three formats for guided tours: Passeggiata Reale, Viaggio affascinante dentro le mura and Visita breve. You can use the different formats as a guide when planning your visit.

A guided tour of the Forte di Fenestrelle with a stronger focus on hiking leads over the Scala Reale and the covered staircase. It reaches the Forte delle Valli at an altitude of around 1,800 metres and includes the Santa Barbara, Porte and Ospedale redoubts.

The performance of Bal da Sabre takes place every year on 25 August on the occasion of the Festa Patronale di San Luigi.

The Forti Connessioni shuttle service connects Fenestrelle with Usseaux, the hamlets and the fortress.

Gofri: thin waffles

Gofri are thin waffles made mainly from water, flour and yeast. They are baked in cast-iron plates; their traditional grid pattern and thinness define gofri.

Gofri are often served at fairs and festivals. They can be eaten plain or filled with cold cuts, cheese, jam or chocolate spreads.

More places for planning your trip: Oulx, Monti, Cesana Torinese, Pragelato, Bardonecchia, Beaulard, Cuorgnè and Caprie.

For the higher-level travel overview: Turin.