Even though the Aosta Valley is one of Italy’s smallest regions, it’s brimming with history, showcased beautifully by the impressive Savoy Castle. Hidden away in the picturesque Gressoney-Saint-Jean valley, this castle holds sentimental value for Margherita di Savoia, Italy’s first queen. Nestled beneath Ranzola Hill in an area dubbed “Belvedere,” the castle boasts a strategic position offering awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the entire valley, including the magnificent Lyskamm glacier.
As mentioned earlier, the castle was the cherished summer residence of Margherita di Savoia, Italy’s first queen. Her fondness for this enchanting valley grew during her frequent stays as an esteemed guest at the Beck Peccoz Barons’ estate. In honor of her affection for the place, the property was later named Villa Margherita.
Commissioned by the queen herself, the castle’s construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1904. Margherita enjoyed her summer retreat there until 1925, just a year before her passing. Her patronage drew other noble families to explore and settle in the valley, gradually transforming it into the beloved tourist destination it is today.
The castle’s design was the vision of architect Enrico Stramucci, known for his work on the neo-Baroque embellishments of the Royal Palace in Turin and the Quirinale in Rome. Built in a medieval style referred to as the “15th-century Lombard style,” it echoes architectural influences from France and Savoy, the ancestral lands of the reigning monarchs.
The castle spans three floors, with living spaces on the ground floor, royal apartments on the noble floor, and a second floor exclusively designated for courtiers. Below ground, visitors can explore the cellars.
Although much of the original castle furniture has been lost, a few remnants remain alongside furnishings from Villa Margherita, once owned by the Beck Peccoz Barons. Noteworthy among the surviving pieces are tapestries adorned with a Chiné effect and ornamental paintings by Carlo Cussetti, a skilled artist who also contributed to the Royal Palace in Turin. Additionally, the intricately crafted coffered ceilings, wooden panels, and furniture were crafted by Turin-based woodcarver Dellera. Throughout the castle, visitors will notice a recurring motif of the daisy flower, a deliberate homage to the queen herself, as the name “Margherita” translates to “daisy” in English.
The ground floor features a magnificent wooden staircase embellished with intricate carvings of griffins and eagles, leading guests to the royal apartments. Before entering these majestic quarters, visitors pass through a hall adorned with a ceiling bearing the poignant inscription: “hic manebimus optime,” meaning “here we stay excellently.”
Of particular significance is the Queen’s apartment, occupying a prominent position within the castle. From the windows of the sitting room in the northern tower, one can admire breathtaking views of Mount Rosa and the sprawling valley below.
