The Tale of the Ancient Walls

A night journey inside the largest fortress in the Alps

In Fenestrelle, a small town in the Chisone Valley in the province of Turin, stands the Fenestrelle Fortress, Europe's largest alpine fortification: a stone wall that climbs for nearly three kilometers along the mountainside, connected by the famous covered staircase of over four thousand steps. The Tale of the Ancient Walls is the theatrical night tour that breathes life into this extraordinary Piedmontese monument every year.

What makes this visit special

This is no ordinary guided tour: along the walkways, redoubts, and artillery platforms of Forte San Carlo, costumed actors and delicate lighting effects recreate scenes from the past. Visitors move through the darkness of the night, encountering characters who shaped the history of these walls, blending historical figures with literary inspirations.

• Ignazio Bertola, the military engineer who designed the complex starting in 1728;
• Abbé Faria, the character imagined by Alexandre Dumas, evoked within the fortress dungeons;
• soldiers, prisoners, and other figures who bring the story to life along the route.

The re-enactment is itinerant and takes place primarily outdoors in the lower areas of the Fort, lasting approximately two and a half hours. The concept and direction are by Piergiuseppe Manassero, while the event is organized by the Associazione Progetto San Carlo Forte di Fenestrelle Onlus, which has managed the site's promotion for years.

History brought to life

The narrative spans nearly three hundred years of events: from the construction commissioned by the House of Savoy in the 18th century to the fortress's military role and its darker chapters as a prison. Walking through these walls at night, accompanied by the voices of the actors, means stepping into the memory of the place and understanding why the Fenestrelle Fortress has become a symbol of the Metropolitan City of Turin and the entire Piedmont region.

An event for the whole family

The experience is designed for adults, teenagers, and children; admission is free for those under 8. As this is an evening outdoor tour at high altitude, comfortable clothing, suitable footwear for trails, and warm layers are recommended, even on summer evenings. Booking is mandatory.