# Sarre Castle

- **Country:** Italy
- **Location Text:** Sarre

Sarre Castle, known locally as Castello di Sarre or Château de Sarre, is a historic fortress situated in the town of Sarre within the Aosta Valley of Italy. While the site originally housed a fortified tower dating back to the 13th century, the structure visible today largely reflects an extensive reconstruction undertaken in 1708 by Jean-François Ferrod d'Arvier. This renovation gave the castle its current architectural character, preserving only the original medieval tower while reshaping the rest of the complex. The property later underwent significant expansion under the House of Savoy after King Victor Emmanuel II acquired it in 1869, adding stables and elevating the central tower to suit royal needs.

The castle holds considerable historical significance due to its long association with noble dynasties and the Italian monarchy. In 1242, it hosted a pivotal meeting between Amadeus IV, Count of Savoy, and local lords to suppress a rebellion, an event that led to the creation of the Count of Sarre title. Over the centuries, ownership passed through various families, including the Rapet and Gerbore clans, before becoming a primary seasonal hunting residence for Victor Emmanuel II, famously known as the King Hunter. His successor, King Umberto I, further adorned the interior with numerous hunting trophies, many of which remain on display in the museum's Trophy Gallery today.

Currently, Sarre Castle stands as a testament to the region's aristocratic past and its role within the Gran Paradiso National Park area, which was once the king's private hunting reserve. Although the provided text does not explicitly detail its modern operational status, the presence of a museum collection and preserved royal decorations suggests it serves as a cultural heritage site. The building encapsulates centuries of political maneuvering, architectural evolution, and royal leisure, making it a key landmark in the Aosta Valley's rich historical landscape.

![Photo of Sarre Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/CastelloDiSarreJuly312023_03.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarre_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)