Forte di Exilles

#148 among destinations in Italy

Museum, Military museum, Lookout, Historical place, More...

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Facts and practical information

Perched dramatically in the Susa Valley of Italy, the Forte di Exilles is a historical monument that echoes tales of military strategy and resilience. This imposing fortress, now functioning as a museum, has stood guard since its origins in the 12th century, though much of its current form dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Forte di Exilles was strategically important due to its location on the route between France and Italy, making it a key defensive structure for the Duchy of Savoy. Throughout its history, it has witnessed numerous conflicts and has been besieged, destroyed, and rebuilt several times.

Visitors to the Forte di Exilles can explore its vast and complex architecture, which includes a labyrinth of underground tunnels, barracks, and imposing bastions. The museum housed within offers a glimpse into the fort's military past, showcasing a collection of arms, uniforms, and other historical artifacts that tell the story of its defenders and the various sieges it endured.

The site provides an educational journey through the evolution of military fortifications and the role the fortress played in the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The panoramic views from its walls offer a breathtaking vista of the surrounding alpine scenery, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 45°5'59"N, 6°56'11"E

Location

Via degli AlpiniExilles 10050 PiedmontItaly

Contact

+39 0122 58270

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Day trips

Forte di Exilles – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Abbazia di Novalesa, Arch of Augustus, Susa Cathedral, Punta Sommeiller.

6.5 miNE
Monastery, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Abbazia di Novalesa
167 min walk • Tucked away in the Susa Valley of Italy, the Abbazia di Novalesa is a serene testament to the enduring legacy of monastic life. Founded in 726 AD, this ancient monastery is steeped in history and spirituality, having served as a beacon of religious and cultural...
5.8 miNE
Arch
Arch of Augustus
148 min walk • The Arch of Augustus, located in Rimini, Italy, stands as a majestic testament to the grandeur of Roman engineering and architecture. Erected in 27 BC, this ancient Roman arch was built to honor Emperor Augustus, and it is the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch.
5.9 miNE
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Susa Cathedral
151 min walk • Susa Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Susa, Piedmont, in northern Italy. It is the seat of the Bishop of Susa and is dedicated to Saint Justus of Novalesa. In origin it was the church of the Benedictine Abbey of St.
4.5 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Punta Sommeiller
116 min walk • Punta Sommeiller or Pointe Sommeiller is a mountain of the Province of Turin, Italy and of Savoie, France. It lies in the Cottian Alps range. It has an elevation of 3,333 metres above sea level.
7.2 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Val Chisone
184 min walk • The Val Chisone is one of the Occitan valleys of western Piedmont, situated in the Cottian Alps in the Metropolitan City of Turin in north-west Italy.
5.5 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Rognosa d'Etiache
141 min walk • Rognosa d'Etiache or Rognosa d'Étache is a mountain in the Cottian Alps on the border of Turin, Italy, and Savoie, France. It has an elevation of 3,382 metres above sea level.
6 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Susa Valley
153 min walk • The Susa Valley is a valley in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont region of northern Italy, located between the Graian Alps in the north and the Cottian Alps in the south. It is one of the longest valleys of the Italian Alps.
5.8 miNE
45°8'9"N • 7°2'37"E
Castello della Contessa Adelaide
148 min walk • Forts and castles
6.9 miSW
Locality
Oulx
175 min walk • One of the main attractions in Oulx is the Via Lattea ski area, which offers world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With over 400 kilometers of slopes and modern facilities, it is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
6.3 miSW
Locality
Sauze d'Oulx
162 min walk • Sauze d'Oulx is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont located 80 km from Turin in the Val di Susa, at the foot of Monte Genevris. It was the site of the freestyle skiing events of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
3.9 miN
Alpine hut, Hiking
Rifugio Vaccarone
99 min walk • The Luigi Vaccarone Refuge is a refuge located in the municipality of Giaglione, Susa Valley, in the Cottian Alps, at 2,747 m above sea level.