Fenestrelle Fort
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Fenestrelle Fort is a monumental example of military architecture and one of the largest fortifications in Europe. Spanning over 1,300 meters in elevation, this colossal structure was built between 1728 and 1850 to defend the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.
The fort, often referred to as "The Great Wall of the Alps," is an impressive feat of engineering and military strategy. It consists of three main forts (San Carlo, Tre Denti, and Delle Valli), connected by a 3-kilometer-long wall that includes a covered staircase with 4,000 steps, known as the "Scala Coperta." This stairway allowed troops to move quickly and safely between the different levels of the fortification.
Fenestrelle Fort was designed to control the access through the Chisone Valley, serving as a bulwark against potential invasions from France. Throughout its history, it has played various roles, including a prison for political dissidents and a training ground for the Alpine troops.
Piedmont