Castello Jocteau

Perched on the scenic Collina di Beauregard in the northeastern part of Aosta, Castello Jocteau is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into Italy's military history and architectural elegance. Nestled at an elevation of 654 meters, this charming castle not only provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Monte Emilius and Beca di Nona peaks but also stands as a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship and design.

The History of Castello Jocteau

Castello Jocteau, also known as Castello Duca degli Abruzzi or Castello Generale Cantore, was built in 1907 under the patronage of Countess Candida Jocteau Bombrini, wife of Charles-Albert Jocteau. The Jocteaus, a noble family from Grenoble, were prominent figures in the Kingdom of Italy, serving the nation diligently during the Risorgimento. For nearly three decades, the castle remained in the hands of the Jocteau family, who imbued it with their aristocratic charm and elegance.

In the 1930s, the Italian government recognized the need to enhance its alpine military capabilities. Thus, on January 9, 1934, the Central Military School of Mountaineering (Scuola Centrale Militare di Alpinismo) was inaugurated within the castle. This initiative was warmly welcomed by Pope Pius XI, known as the Alpinist Pope. The Kingdom of Italy acquired Castello Jocteau for a substantial sum of one million lire, transforming it into the command center for the elite alpine troops.

The castle was later renamed in honor of Luigi Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta, Duke of the Abruzzi, who passed away in 1933. This renaming reflected the castle's new role as a hub for alpine military training and operations.

Architectural Marvels

The architectural style of Castello Jocteau is a splendid blend of eclecticism and elegance. Designed by the renowned architect Carlo Ceppi and constructed by engineer Ottavio Invrea, the castle's design was inspired by the nearby Castel Savoia. Its structure is characterized by a harmonious combination of round and square towers, creating a visually striking and robust appearance.

A notable feature of the castle is its Neo-Gothic chapel, located in the northwest wing. The chapel boasts a rectangular layout with cross vaults, and its facade is adorned with frescoes. The bell tower, equipped with two bells and double windows, adds to the chapel's charm. Inside, the chapel houses an iron door with a half-relief depicting a priest and two soldiers, a gift from Rivetti.

The castle's interior is equally captivating, featuring numerous halls, salons, and underground rooms. The decor includes floral stucco work and the baronial coat of arms of the Jocteau family, reflecting the Art Nouveau style popular at the time of construction. The La Rotonda honor salon, with its oval layout, is particularly noteworthy. Adjacent to it are the Blue Room, the General Commander's office, the assembly hall, and the library.

The Museum and Library

Castello Jocteau houses a small museum dedicated to mountaineering, showcasing the rich history and achievements of the Italian alpine troops. The museum features a collection of awards and memorabilia from the Nucleo pattuglie veloci sci-alpine, the elite military ski patrols of the 1930s, including notable figures like Zeno Colò and Achille Compagnoni.

The library, though partially plundered during World War II, still contains valuable volumes on military history, alpine life, botany, and international geography. The library's walls are adorned with photographs chronicling the 100-year history of the alpine school. The General Commander's office retains its original baronial decorations, while the assembly hall is meticulously furnished with wooden sketches of alpine techniques, restored by sculptor Mario Stuffer.

The Park and Klettergarten

Surrounding the castle is a vast park designed by Giuseppe Roda, a renowned landscape architect from Turin. The park features a diverse collection of trees, including firs, larches, beeches, horse chestnuts, cedars, birches, lindens, and maples. It also includes a botanical garden with rare plant species, meticulously maintained by the regional agriculture and forestry department.

One of the park's highlights is the avant-garde klettergarten, or climbing garden, created in the early 20th century. General and alpinist Giuseppe Inaudi, along with climbing instructor Emilio Comici, designed this climbing area to train troops in various climbing techniques. The klettergarten includes routes of varying difficulty levels, making it a valuable training ground for military climbers.

Notable Visitors

Throughout its history, Castello Jocteau has hosted several illustrious visitors. In the 1930s, notable guests included Benito Mussolini in 1938 and Emperor Hirohito of Japan in 1939. King Umberto II and Princess Marie José of Belgium also graced the castle with their presence. After World War II, four Presidents of the Italian Republic visited the castle: Giovanni Leone, Giuseppe Saragat, Francesco Cossiga, and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. Pope John Paul II, a frequent visitor to the Aosta Valley, also visited the castle, leaving a lasting impression with his presence.

The Chapel

The castle's chapel, dedicated to the Madonna, is a place of serene beauty and artistic significance. It features wooden furnishings, including benches, a balustrade, and an altar. Above the altar hangs a painting of the Madonna and two angels, framed in wood. The chapel also houses votive photos of fallen soldiers, to whom Pope John Paul II offered a prayer during his visit. The choir has a floor made of oak wood, while the rest of the chapel features a stone floor.

In conclusion, Castello Jocteau is not just a historic monument; it is a living testament to Italy's rich military heritage and architectural splendor. Its walls echo stories of bravery, resilience, and nobility, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike. Though it is not open to the public, its legacy continues to inspire and captivate those who learn about its storied past.