Fort De Bard




Fort De Bard

Our next day was relaxing staying in Ivrea (Original home of Olivetti typewriters )
 and just doing some sightseeing. 

The castle/fort we visited was the backdrop for the movie Avengers – Age of Ultron filmed just recently.
Age of Ultron

The early fort was built and developed its claim to fame by withstanding first a 14 day attack by Napoleon in 1800 and then a siege which lasted until June 1st. Eventually it would fall and Napoleon destroyed the castle terming it the “villaneous castle de bard” because it was so formidable he did not want to have to conquer it again.





A few features were the enclosed staircases to protect soldiers movements, and for tourists now a 4 stage funicular which is free to ride and get a great view of the Aosta valley.
Enclosed Stairs for soldiers



Fenicular
After Napoleon’s fall the Fort was re-built between 1831- 1838 by the Savoy’s and eventually fell into dis-repair until the late 20th century when it was restored again. It hosts many exhibitions and concerts in summer.
Similar in nature to Entreavaux in France, this Fort controlled access to the Aosta valley and was therefore a point where a travel tax could be collected for anyone wanting to move goods across the Alps and of course to defend access.
Aosta Valley


On our way back Sandra said to stop at a Suzuki car dealer since she saw a neat sports car in a window. We did stop and were captured by an eclectic collection of personal cars owned by the dealer. 
Original Audi Quattro dating from 1980, notice the styling to the VW Scirroco of the same era our son had a 1981 Scirroco gifted to him by his aunt.

The History of Suzuki - Coincidentally I drive an Audi quattro (a5), and ride a Suzuki V Strom
A Beautiful MG, for Brit car lovers

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