Savoy Castle - The Fairytale castle of Aosta valley

The Val d’Aosta, home to the Savoy Castle, is famous for its medieval castles, set deep in the mountains and difficult to reach via public transportation. Savoy castle is no doubt one of the most beautiful castles in Italy.

Filming Location, Savoy Castle

Christmas 2022 will be remembered by many for the famous Bocelli family’s Family Christmas album. It’s a phenomenal album and I am sure it will be an evergreen album. One we will play year after year. Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia or Savoia Castle), nestled in Gressonay-St-Jean, was the perfect setting for the filming of the album.

In the first scene of “A Bocelli Family Christmas,” 10-year-old Virginia Bocelli is taken by surprise on a hot air balloon ride and transported to a magical Christmas setting while singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. An amazing video and an amazing rendition of the golden classic, Over The Rainbow. The hot air balloon lands in Gressoney from where Virginia heads in proper fairytale style to Savoy Castle where her mom and dad are waiting for her at the entrance. She then goes inside to join the rest of the family, Matteo, and Amos, and together they decorate the Christmas tree. I’ll let you watch the movie to see how it all unfolds.

Location

The castle is in the city center of Turin, near the Po River. It is easily accessible by public transportation or by car.

Heritage

The castle was built from 1899 to 1904 and was the summer home to Queen Margherita, the widow of King Umberto I, up to a year before she passed away. The King was not particularly keen on the castle because he preferred to stay in the Castle of Sarre which was ideal for him, enjoying long hunting trips. However, he was supportive of the Queen’s wishes although he never stayed in the castle. The castle was completed four years after his assassination in 1900 in Monza, by the anarchist Gaetano Bresci.

Things to see

Savoy Castle has three levels (thus small in comparison to most castles) with living quarters, royal apartments, and gentleman’s quarters. The exterior is coated with grey stone from the quarries in Gressoney, Gaby, and Vert. There was an underground train that connected the original, separate kitchens.

The castle is home to a number of interesting artworks and historical artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture. Some of the highlights of the castle include the Royal Armory, the Royal Apartments, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. There are still a few pieces of the original furniture, a few tapestries, some Cussetti ornamental paintings, and other Dellera furniture.

At the manor’s base is a lovely Alpine floral species-filled rocky garden which you can see through the windows. The castle has a magnificent panoramic view of the valley, the peaks of Monte Rosa, and the Lyskamm glacier.

The castle is in the middle of the mountain at Via Obre Biel Waeg 7, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Italy. However, only guided tours are permitted, so it’s best you book online. The tours are very interesting and highly recommended.

Accessibility

The castle is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps available for visitors with mobility issues.

Travel Tip(s)

The castle can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Photography is allowed inside the castle, but flash photography is not allowed in some areas.

The castle can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Photography is allowed inside the castle, but flash photography is not allowed in some areas.

The next thing to do on your travel bucket list is to book a concert by Andrea Bocelli. While you listen to Andrea Bocelli’s amazing performance you’re perfectly allowed to think back to your trip to Castel Savoia. The perfect way to celebrate your visit to Castel Savoia!