Forte di Vinadio

About the museum

The Forte di Vinadio was commissioned by King Charles Albert of Savoy to block the Stura Valley and defend the western border of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Work began in 1834 and was completed in 1847, with a brief pause between 1837 and 1839; at times up to 4,000 people were employed. The fortress extends about 1,200 metres along the western side of the town, from the rock of the Fortino to the River Stura, and is divided into three fronts (Upper, Attack and Lower) with about 10 km of walkways on three levels.

The fort was never the scene of fighting. Over time its strategic importance declined, and after the First World War it became a large depot. In the 20th century it housed a military pigeon loft, was incorporated into a rear line of the Vallo Alpino (Alpine Wall), and inside it the “Caverna Comando” (command cavern) of the Frontier Guard was built. After the Second World War it was decommissioned and remained abandoned for a long time.

The restoration was promoted by the Comune di Vinadio, owner of the complex, by the Associazione Culturale Marcovaldo until 2016 and, from 2017, by the Fondazione Artea. Today the fort houses the permanent multimedia route “Montagna in movimento”, the exhibition “Messaggeri alati” devoted to the military pigeon loft, virtual reality stations and itineraries designed for families; it also hosts cultural, musical and sporting events.

Highlights

• Savoy fortress built 1834–1847 with about 10 km of walkways
• Multimedia route “Montagna in movimento” on the southern Alps
• Permanent exhibition “Messaggeri alati” on the military pigeon loft
• “Vinadio Virtual Reality” stations
• Guided tours and family itineraries “Mammamia che Forte!”

Permanent exhibitions

• Montagna in movimento – Permanent multimedia route through the southern Alps, presenting the mountains as a place of exchange, encounter and innovation between the Mediterranean and the Po Valley.
• Messaggeri alati – Permanent exhibition on the military pigeon loft, housed in the fort from the late 19th century to 1944, with furnishings, documents, videos and two interactive video installations.

Founded

1834

Operated by

Comune di Vinadio (proprietario); Fondazione Artea (gestione)

Admission & discounts

The basic price of €6 (reduced €4) covers the self-guided visit of the Forte “Oltre le Barriere”. Free admission also for journalists with a press card, for residents of Vinadio on Sunday mornings and, for “Montagna in movimento” and “Messaggeri alati”, for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Piemonte e Valle d’Aosta.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The multimedia route is only partly on the ground floor and mostly on the first floor. Only the ground floor is accessible to people with mobility impairments; the rest of the fort presents obstacles because it is laid out on several levels. There is no lift; the ticket office and bookshop are not accessible to people with mobility impairments. Compliant toilets are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Itineraries for families and children “Mammamia che Forte!” with a family ticket at a single rate; educational activities for schools and summer camps; “Pedala Forte!” route with e-bike.

Getting there & parking

By car from Turin on the A6 motorway (Turin–Savona) to Cuneo and Borgo San Dalmazzo, then to Vinadio; from France via the Colle della Maddalena. Nearest airports: Cuneo Levaldigi (18 km from Cuneo), Turin Caselle and Nice.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, civil ceremonies, meetings, conferences and congresses, for example the Cortile del Rivellino (about 400 m²). Information from the Comune di Vinadio (tel. +39 0171 959 143, protocollo@comune.vinadio.cn.it).

Plan your visit