Imposing fortified work, erected at the entrance of the Valle d'Aosta, occupies an entire spur of rock dominating the village of Bard. The current building was rebuilt between 1830 and 1838 on the ruins of the previous castle, destroyed by the Napoleonic troops. It became a patrimony of the Region in 1900, it hosts over 3,600 square meters destined to permanent and temporary exhibition sites.
Forte Bard History
To conquer it, even Napoleon had to resort to a ruse, surprising the army of the fortress at night. But only after a full day of bombing finally managed to take the Bard Fort, granting the captain Stockard von Bernkopf the honor of arms. Despite this, exasperated by the unexpected resistance, Napoleon razed the "vilain castel de Bard", which was then rebuilt in 1838 by the House of Savoy.
The highest point of the stronghold can be reached on foot following the path that winds through the walls, but if the "walk" inspires a little 'fear you can also take one of the panoramic crystal lifts and enjoy the view over the valley during the climb. You will find yourself projected in the courtyard of the parade ground surrounded by a portico that houses exhibitions and museums. To explore the mountain with the five senses there is the Museum of the Alps, where the visit is all multimedia.
Back in the ancient village, do not miss the eighteenth-century palace of the Counts Nicole and the monumental houses dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. There are many and all things to see, such as the Casa del Vescovo, Casa della Meridiana, Casa Valperga. In the hamlet of Albert, in a small building leaning against the rock, at the chestnut Ecomuseum you can learn all about the processing of this fruit linked to life and local gastronomy.
Another visit to the Fort also includes the prisons, now destined to permanent museum space: the visit allows you to observe the 24 narrow cells where prisoners were locked up; the entrance gallery and the atrium house an historical itinerary that leads the visitor to discover the history of the fortress, which for centuries was the most strategic point of the region.