Il castello sorge su un promontorio, in località Lalex, che domina la piana aostana sopra la strada statale per il Monte Bianco, poco oltre il bivio per Cogne.
Built in 1710 by Giovanni Francesco Ferrod of Arvier on the remains of a fortified house from 1242, after various ownership changes it was purchased in 1869 by the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II, who renovated it and used it as a residence during his hunting trips in the Aosta Valley.
The Royal Castle of Sarre, which became part of His Majesty’s private estate, then became the headquarters used by the king for his expeditions in the Cogne, Rhêmes, and Valsavarenche valleys.
To host the first King of Italy, the residence underwent some modifications, including the elevation of the tower and the construction of a new stable. Inside, the rooms were completely renovated and modernized. The conservator of the Royal Palace of Milan was specifically commissioned for the furnishings, which he provided by moving furniture from other royal residences.
Also the successor of Vittorio Emanuele, Umberto I (1844-1900) assigned the alpine castle for uses related to hunting leisure.
In the last years of his reign, Umberto I paid particular attention to the Sarre residence, promoting its internal renewal. Among the works carried out on that occasion are the important decorative campaigns of the monumental rooms, adorned with trophies of ibex and chamois.
The castle was inhabited for holidays by Queen Maria José also in the years following the monarchy.
In 1989 the Aosta Valley Region purchased the complex to restore it. The castle, which presents itself as a longitudinal body with a square tower placed in the center, can be considered a museum of the Savoy presence in the Aosta Valley.
Information about Royal Castle
Frazione Lalex, 10
11019 Sarre (Aosta Valley/Vallée d’Aoste)
0165257539
l.maschio@regione.vda.it
https://www.regione.vda.it
from Oct. to Mar.: from Tue. to Sun. 10:00–12:30 / 13:00–17:00 from Apr. to Aug.: every day 9:00–19:00 Weekdays every day 10:00–18:00
Source: MIBACT
