The castle of Ussel rises from a rocky spur in the area that bears its name, above the village of Châtillon. Built in 1343 by Ebalo di Challant, the medieval manor is the earliest example of single block castle in Val d’Aosta; constructed as a single structure rather than as a series of buildings enclosed in a circuit wall, it is laid out on a rectangular plan and is of significant size, linked to the borgo with a specially built walkway.
The brickwork has blind arches and mullioned windows with floral and geometric decorations on high. On the corners of the south side are two cylindrical jutting turrets, adjacent to the entrance which is beneath a machicolation.
The interior of the castle is mostly empty: the monumental fireplaces with large shelves ascending along the chimney still remain. The building is used today as an exhibition space.
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
