The fort of Vinadio

Vinadio is a small Piedmontese town in the province of Cuneo; it rises to 904 meters of altitude, although some hamlets are located much higher, it has 650 inhabitants. Located not far from the national border with France, Vinadio served as a stronghold and traces of fortifications and moats built by King Carlo Alberto are still visible throughout the town. The undisputed symbol of Vinadio is represented by the Albertine fort, so called because it was wanted and built in 1834 by King Carlo Alberto and together with the forts of Finestrelle and Exilles it constitutes the most important line of defensive structures in Piedmont and throughout Italy; represent the national heritage linked to open castles. Undisputed masterpiece of engineering and military technique, the fort of Vinadio was built in just 11 years with the function of a lookout to control the surrounding valleys, bordering France. The Albertine fort today hosts exhibitions and events of all kinds. The length of the walls reaches 1,400 meters, while the internal walkway measures 10,000 meters. It is distributed in three levels, autonomous parts between them, with different functions. Part of the territory of the upper Stura valley, it is protected and guarded by the splendid Maddalena hill.