Castello Fenis

Today's castle is Castello Fenis in northern Italy's Valle d'Aosta. The first mention of the castle was in 1242. It was constructed by the Challant family, the Viscounts of Aosta.

The structure visible today was mainly built between 1320 and 1420.

The basic structure dates to the time of Viscount Aimone, who began construction of the pentagonal central block.

Much of the outer works were built by Bonifacio I, beginning in 1392.

Among the castle's most famous features are the frescoes in the chapel. These were also commissioned by Bonifacio I, and they were completed between 1414 and 1420 by
the studio of Giacomo Jaquerio.

According to the castle's web site, the fortunes of the Challant family declined after the death of Bonifacio I, and no major works were undertaken after his time. The family was finally forced to sell the castle in 1716 to pay their debts. The buyers were big-time farmers who transformed most of the castle into barns, stables, granaries, and so on, even the chapel. It was acquired by the Italian government in 1895 and the interior extensively restored.