High up in the Val d'Ayas on a rocky spur

are the remains of the Castle of Graines. A little further up the valley is the comune of Graines itself. The Val d'Ayas is a side valley from the well known Aosta Valley. The nearest town of any size is Brusson which makes a good starting point for climbing Monte Rosa.
The Castle of Graines is thought to have originally been constructed during the 11th century by an order of monks who also built inside it's walls a Romanesque chapel which was dedicated to Saint Martin, the remains of which can still be seen today. Throughout 2012 restoration work is being carried out and there is no access to the castle itself.
The castle is typical of those of the Aosta Valley, the main entrance door was located some five metres from the ground and only accessible by ladder. During the time of any siege this ladder was removed. File2961.