Baron Gamba's Castle

Introduction

The castle of Baron Gamba dominates from its position the hamlet of Cret de Breil and the area west of Châtillon. The imposing building, commissioned by Baron Maurice Gamba, was built in 1911 to a design by engineer Carlo Saroldi. Due to its panoramic position on a rocky promontory, the castle has become a characteristic element of the landscape. 

Description

The castle of Baron Gamba dominates from its position the hamlet of Cret de Breil and the area west of Châtillon. The imposing building, commissioned by Baron Maurice Gamba, was built in 1911 to a design by engineer Carlo Saroldi. Due to its panoramic position on a rocky promontory, the castle has become a characteristic feature of the landscape.

The building is surrounded by a park rich in vegetation. Most of the trees date back to the date of the castle's construction, but some are of older origin. The park is home to a giant sequoia dating back to 1888. The park is very well maintained and makes for pleasant walks. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the castle, which lies in a state of neglect. The decay is immediately apparent due to the numerous broken glass panes, and it is also not possible to approach the building except from one side.
 The building, now owned by the Region, is symmetrical and consists of a high central tower, set back from the two side bodies. A room on the third floor was used as a chapel. The remains of a wooden altar are still visible today. The castle, built with bare stone masonry, is protected by a wooden pavilion roof with a stone slab covering above.