The Spirit of Fenestrelle: Captivating History Meets Nature’s Splendor
The instant you say the name Fenestrelle, the complex of the same name comes to mind (erroneously named “Forte” and rising to prominence with the name of the Great Piedmont Wall), which quickly manifests in its most acute aspects.
In truth, this is similar to the heart of the mountain area, but Fenestrelle has a distinct physiognomy: it is a municipality located 71 kilometers from Turin in Piedmont, at a maximum altitude of 1,154 meters above sea level in the center of Val Chisone. It is therefore unnecessary to explain that the naturalistic environment appears extraordinary and extremely appreciable when considering the many elements that examine the flora and wildlife of the surrounding area.
The town has a population of just over 500, and its hamlets are tucked in the coniferous woods, with streams echoing between ridges. This picturesque tourist resort has a long history of war and growth, and there are now artisan workshops specializing in the processing and treatment of wood as well as wrought iron, both of which are used to produce furniture.
History and Origin of the Name
The city was originally named Finis Terrae (border land) during its Roman times. However, the current name Fenestrelle (which means tiny windows) originated due to the small windows of the buildings. These windows were intentionally kept partially closed as a result of a fee imposed by the government at that time.
The urban nucleus functioned as an ancient military fortress and commercial nerve hub. During the Dauphiné period, when the French dominions held it for centuries, they opted to build Fort Mutin and the Jesuit Convent. The majestic octagonal bell tower holds the remaining portion of the Jesuit Convent, which still has lovely features. Fenestrelle was officially transferred to the Savoys in 1713, as stipulated by the Treaty of Utrecht, but Vittorio Amedeo II chose to take measures by not trusting the Transalpines, thus he built the Fort of San Carlo.
Fort of Fenestrelle
The fortress of San Carlo is Fenestrelle’s main attraction, capable of capturing the attention of tourists who are fascinated by this imposing fort, which should be considered a complex alongside the other two because there are three forts and seven redoubts, each independent to better face a war. The buildings are linked together by streets, lanes, and a valuable element, a covered staircase with 3,996 steps, which is likely the world’s longest of its sort.
The complex served both as a military facility and a state prison. Its military function ceased after World War II. Forte San Carlo is home to the Pracatinat Residence Centre, a well-known environmental teaching laboratory in Europe.
What to see in Fenestrelle and surrounding areas
The ecclesiastical equipment is noteworthy, with several particularly intriguing architectural and artistic buildings. The Parish Church of San Luigi, commissioned by Louis XIV of France (but dedicated to Louis IX) and consecrated on August 25, 1689, is the reason Fenestrelle grew around it. Since then, August 25 has been commemorated as the patronal feast day.
The church houses an antique but well-preserved organ from the nineteenth century. The majestic Priory of San Giusto, a sacred building with a very rich historical archive, is located near Mentoulles, a hamlet named by the abundance of mint plants.
Chambons
Chambons has the Church of San Lorenzo and a modest seventeenth-century chapel, as well as a serf (i.e., protecting forest) where many trees have blown out 600 or more candles. Because of the abundance of shrubs, plants, and woodlands, the municipality established the Cammina in Bosco project, a network of trails and itineraries that excursion enthusiasts can enjoy on foot. There are currently three, which lead to the Serva di Chambons, the Clotas Nursery, and the Bosco of Bletonné Protection. However, because of the proximity to Orsiera Park, there are many more options for walking paths ranging from easy to difficult.
In addition to the churches and the famous complex of forts, Fenestrelle has the old steep stone Donjon district, the remains of the Porte de France, the War Memorial in Remembrance Park, the Stele to the Fenestrelle Battalion, the plaque commemorating the fact that the municipality was the first in the Pinerolo area to obtain its own power plant, and the rock engraving of Crò da Lairi, an authentic prehistoric map discovered by chance in 1979 by a citizen. If you want to go around the center’s alleys, make sure to pay close attention to the houses. Some houses proudly exhibit sundials on their walls, demonstrating how people in the past marked the hours depending on sunlight.
Events and fun things to do
The patronal celebration on August 25 has already been noted, but we should also include the cattle show on the third Saturday in October and the Christmas market in December. During these festivities, local ladies proudly wear bright traditional costumes with a strong folkloristic flavor; also, passerby can quietly indulge in the delicious local pancakes known as soft goffri, which are best savored hot.
Getting to Fenestrelle
To get to Sestriere, take Turin’s southern ring road, then the Pinerolese motorway, and follow the signs for Val Chisone-Sestriere until you arrive in town. The trains stop in Pinerolo, where they connect with the SADEM Turin-Pinerolo-Perosa-Sestriere bus route. There are two airports nearby: “Sandro Pertini” at Caselle Torinese and Cuneo Levaldigi, which are 90 and 80 kilometers away from the town, respectively.
