The castle of Issogne is an elegant and refined noble residence from the end of the 15th century situated on the right bank of the Dora Baltea. Initially owned by the bishops of Aosta, the property later passed to the Challant family who gave it its present-day appearance.
The imposing horseshoe-shaped palace looks onto a wide courtyard with the famous wrought iron Pomegranate Statue at the centre and over an Italian garden. The portico on the ground floor is embellished with a range of frescoed lunettes depicting daily life and artisan workshops.
The conservation of the 15th century interiors is due to the painter Vittorio Avondo from Turin who bought the castle in 1872; he kept the original furnishings and added some late 19th century decoration.
On the ground floor are the dining room, the kitchen, and the baronial hall with a stone fireplace featuring the Challant crest, painted wood ceiling beams and wall frescoes depicting landscapes, hunting scenes and the Judgement of Paris.
The first floor holds the chapel which has ogive vaults and the Countess’ Room with an annexed oratory. On the second floor is the “King of France’s” room with its coffered ceiling decorated with lilies and a fireplace with the Valois crest and the “Room of the Knights of St. Maurice” whose coffered ceiling features the cross of the order.
Fondazione Film Commission Valle d'Aoste
Via Croce di Città 18 — 11100 Aosta
Phone: +39 0165 261790
Fax: +39 0165 261790
Email: amministrazione@filmcommission.vda.it
The colorful portico is a rare example of medieval Alpine painting, depicting scenes of daily life in the late Middle Ages.
