Chateau des Ducs de Savoie

Located in the heart of Chambéry's old town, the Château des Ducs de Savoie (Castle of the Dukes of Savoy) is a monumental complex whose origins date back to the 11th century. Formerly the residence of the Counts and then Dukes of Savoy, this strategic site was the center of power for a once-mighty state stretching from Nice to Geneva. Its architecture is a fascinating blend of styles: the massive medieval appearance of its towers (such as the Treasury Tower and the Semi-Round Tower) stands alongside the classical 18th-century facades, reflecting the numerous alterations it underwent throughout Savoyard history. The castle now houses the Prefecture and the Departmental Council, but several of its treasures remain open to the public. The Sainte-Chapelle, in the Flamboyant Gothic style, is famous for having housed the Shroud of Turin before its transfer to Turin in 1578. It is distinguished by its 16th-century stained-glass windows and its trompe-l'œil interior decoration. The site is also inextricably linked to the Grand Carillon, one of the most important in the world with its 70 bronze bells, which still sets the rhythm of life in the ducal city today with its regular concerts.