The Castle of Exiles - The Prison of the Man in the Iron Mask

From 1681 to 1687 the Castle of Exiles became the famous castle where the “man in the iron mask” was imprisoned. Some say the castle is still haunted by his ghost

The Castle of Exiles in Piedmont is Celtic in origin and is located in an area of Piedmont considered of extreme strategic importance dating back to before Roman times. The castle defended the key way from Piedmont to Provence via Monginevro.

It is another one of those amazing sites in Piedmont that haven’t yet been discovered by the mass tourist market. I feel guilty about promoting some of these place at times.

The original castle construction dates back to 1155 when the count of Albon wished to exercise control over the western reaches of his kingdom. Between 1494 and 1496 the castle became an important arsenal of arms and ammunition, leading to the partial destruction of the gothic entrance in order to enable them to bring into the castle all the arms and ammo.

In 1601, with the adjusting of the Savoy border, the castle was further modernised by the engineer Jean de Beins in order to better resist artillery fire.

The castle was virtually destroyed by the French in 1796 and it was subsequently reconstructed in 1818. The castle was used by the military even up until the end of WW2. Its decline since then was stopped and reversed through the restoration efforts of the Regione Piedmont.

The castle is now open by appointment and with a registered guide. The tour of the castle is indeed fascinating. The castle was built on three defensive levels. Once past the first defensive level and entering through the Royal Gate you will come across the pit which is 70 metres deep and took four years to dig.

Next one continues up to the Cortile del Cavaliere. This austere area is now used to host concerts, not a bad idea and something that succeeds in lightening the sombre mood of the castle slightly.

On with the tour we go as it continues through the labyrinthine passages of the castle. It takes in the armoury and the dungeons. It includes the royal battery and the Stairs “to paradise” that lead up to the Cortile delle Galere and from here to the attics and the roof with extraordinary view across the Val di Susa.

All in all the castle of Exiles is a great Italian castles and one of the highlights of a Piedmont tour. Visit it before the masses discover it.




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