rebuilt due to the construction of the new Savoy forts of Brunetta di Susa in 1708 (demolished at the end of the 18th century) and Fort of Exilles. In 1882, Marquis Gerardo di S. Tommaso donated the castle ruins to the municipality, and they were restored ten years later. In 1927, the ruins were included in the 'parco del littorio', planted with black pines, while the last wartime use dates back to the Second World War. All that remains today are the ruins of the old manor house and the panoramic view. Legends It is said that during the final battle, some French soldiers sneaked into the orderly room and stole a chest containing the officers' pay and made off with it, burying the loot in a grove to the right of the castle entrance where it might still be found today. Legend also tells of a large boulder bearing an arrow indicating the direction in which to look for the treasure. Because of its evocativeness, the area near the ruins is full of spectral 'apparitions'; it is also said that Philip II of Savoy-Achaia was imprisoned in this manor and after he drowned his soul still hovers over the surface of the lakes. Location The castle is located on the summit of Mount Pezzulano (467 m a.s.l.) just above the town of Avigliana, and is easily reached from Avigliana's medieval town centre (Piazza Conte Rosso) via a short path. It offers an excellent vantage point over the Avigliana lakes (especially Lago Grandee), the morainic hill of Rivoli and the famous Sacra di San Michele. See also Castelli in Val di Susa References Bibliography External links Castles in Italy