Verrès

Introduction

An important municipality in the lower Aosta Valley, located at the beginning of the Ayas side valley. It already played an important role in Roman times, when a station along the Via delle Gallie called Vitricium was known.

Description

But it was the Middle Ages that was the town's heyday: as early as the 10th century, the Prevostura di Saint-Gilles was established, a religious body that enjoyed great development, so much so that it held the rights over numerous parishes and even over the hospice of the Petit St. Bernard. Towards the end of the 15th century, however, due to the introduction of the figure of the commendatory prior (a head of the order not resident locally and often more interested in his own than in the common interests), the provostry began an unstoppable decline. Since 1911, it has been entrusted to the Lateran Canons Regular, who have now also taken over the parish duties. However, the ancient monastery remains, built between the 11th and 18th centuries, in a dominant position over the old medieval village.
 The other and most famous symbol of the village is the castle, perched in a strategic position at the entrance to the Ayas valley. Its main structure was completed in 1390 by Ebalo di Challant, but an inscription above the main door informs us that it was Renato di Challant who fortified it with the ramparts now visible in 1536 (a very important year in the history of Valle d'Aosta institutions and autonomy). Nowadays, the figure of Caterina di Challant and her husband Pierre d'Introd, promoters around the middle of the 15th century of a revolt against the Savoy power because of dynastic issues, is best remembered. The people sided with the countess, at least as long as fortune was with her, and for this reason, since the last post-war period, the story is re-enacted during a sumptuous historical carnival, which for the occasion renews festivities and banquets in the castle halls.

Information

Area: 8.36 sq. km
Altitude: 391m
Maximum elevation:
 Number of inhabitants: 2758
Name in dialect:
 Inhabitants' name:
Patron Saint:
Internet site:
 Webcam:
Neighbouring municipalities: Arnad, Challand-Saint-Victor, Champdepraz, Issogne, Montjovet
 Villages and hamlets:
Alps: