Walk in the footsteps of French kings and members of the noble House of Savoy and enjoy sublime views of the Susa Valley at this military fortress.
Exilles Fort (Forte di Exilles) is a former military stronghold and barracks set above a branch of the Po River in the shadow of green mountains. Explore the courtyards, ramparts, towers and tunnels of Exilles Fort. Browse art exhibitions, attend live music performances and capture photographs of the spectacular mountain countryside.
Set on the Montgenèvre Pass, a mountain pass in the Cottian Alps, the fortification served to protect the Duchy of Savoy. First mentioned in 1155, from the late 15th until the late 18th centuries it passed frequently between the rulers of the Kingdom of France and the House of Savoy. Napoleon Bonaparte ordered its destruction after conquering Italy in 1796. The Italian army later took control, rebuilding it as a barracks and using it until 1943.
A zigzagging pathway leads up to the arched main entrance. Follow passageways and climb staircases to reach a maze of rooms once used for military purposes. Visit the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask, a folkloric masked prisoner held captive in various prisons across France in the late 1600s. The story was dramatized in the works of French writers Alexandre Dumas and Voltaire.
From the balconies at the highest point of the fort, the views reach for miles over the forested mountains of the Susa Valley. Take artistic photographs with the fort’s tunnels acting as a frame for the pristine landscapes. A permanent exhibition called Scatta di Vita Militare al Forti di Exillesfeatures a collection of photographs from the military years. They highlight the different infantry units stationed here and changes in uniforms between the two world wars.
Exilles Fort is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. A lift provides access for visitors with limited mobility. Located in the town of Exilles, this historic landmark is just over an hour’s drive from Turin. Catch a train from Turin to Oulx then take a bus from there. Drivers can use the attraction’s free car park.
