About the Graines Castle
The Graines castle is situated in the middle of the Ayas Valley and it is a typical defensive structure built during the 11th century.
A first castle was built by the Saint Maurice d’Agaune Abbey and then enfeoffed in 1263 to the Challant’s family. During 15th century the castle was fortified by Caterina of Challant and Pierre d’Introd and became a stronghold, as the Verrès castle, during the inheritance’s war but then was abandoned during the 17th century.
Restored by Alfredo d’Andrade the castle is nowadays property of the Regional Council of the Aosta Valley.
It is a “primitive” castle (as Cly Castle) and the principal structural elements are the quadrangular tower, the Romanesque chapel dedicated to Saint Maurice and the encircling walls following the terrain’s natural inclination.
The treasure of Graines
The legend says that a big treasure is buried underneath the castle of Graines; but nobody has ever been able to find it, even if many have tried.
Once upon a time a herdsman heard in a dream a voice indicating him the place where he would have to dig, warning him to leave before the rooster sang three times. The following night the man did as he was told and he discovered a trapdoor and entered. Completely blinded by the glittering gold and shimmering gems, he started to admire the beautiful treasure. In the meantime the rooster sang three times ….and the poor man remained trapped inside the enchanted cave.
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