Counting castles...what we need now is a lively jousting event and fair maidens. Valle d'Aosta is the land of castelli (castles), and spotting them is almost like engaging in a game of punch bug. I felt that it wouldn't be right to leave out such historical detail, but the sharp contrasts...you'll see what I mean in the photos.
Now I don't know if it's due to Walt setting the standard on what a castle should look like, but through the dozen or so times that I've been here, not once did I make any real effort to appreciate these medieval landmarks that have withstood the test of time - save one. That would be the Castle of Sarre (3rd image), where we had our wedding photos taken. I believe that most castles are open to the public, and further info can be found here at Valle d'Aosta Castles. The Disneyish-looking one is Castle Saint Pierre (at right). It's a small world after all.
Now I don't know if it's due to Walt setting the standard on what a castle should look like, but through the dozen or so times that I've been here, not once did I make any real effort to appreciate these medieval landmarks that have withstood the test of time - save one. That would be the Castle of Sarre (3rd image), where we had our wedding photos taken. I believe that most castles are open to the public, and further info can be found here at Valle d'Aosta Castles. The Disneyish-looking one is Castle Saint Pierre (at right). It's a small world after all.
Parking sign [P] and picnic tables (not shown) in front of Castle Sarriod De La Tour.
I can only imagine what Sarre's royal landscape must've looked like centuries ago, long before the invention of the autostrada.
Comments
I just started to "keep an eye out" for them recently, and have discovered that many of the abandoned hilltop castles in the South allow for some fantastic "viste" - and great hikes to burn off all that Italian food, too :-D
Only joking I will continue , so hard where to decide for next visit!!
great photos:-)
Scintilla - I like the idea of fortresses, and pirates (and Johnny Depp as a pirate). Notice that this time I didn't mention that famous guy in Como. ;-) Isn't he dating some italian showgirl now?
Anne - you made me laugh! You can't stop thinking of Italy because one day perhaps we shall meet. At a lovely cafe over cappuccino and pastries, of course.
Fern - to demonstrate how far I've come in the land of ancient things, would you believe that the idea of posing at Sarre didn't even phase me one bit? Ok, maybe it's because all I cared about was saying "I do", but we could've just stayed in Aosta centro for the photos.
I bet that I'm the only island gal to have shuffled in my slippahs through the long corridors of the Castello di Sarre!
Carla - possibly because the maidens decided to better their stance in this world. All that shining armor must get awfully noisy after awhile. ^-^
Zhu - never leave home without the polarizer!
Brad - on our next visit here I'll have my medieval frock ready and have a pic taken of me in front of the castles. I'm sure the tourists will love me. Haha!
We enjoyed the view so much.I remember the lovely,lovely vineyards nearby the castle. This is a wonderful wine & fruit region... ( D sampled some pears on a rainy day when no one was looking ;) )
Petra - a visit to Scotland is a dream that I hope will come true...and soon. Castles and whisky!
Barbara - glad you both experienced Sarre. The castle grounds are a splendid place. ^-^