Forte di Bard, a center for knowledge of the Alps

The Fort of Bard is made up of three main buildings, located on different levels: the lowest, about 400 meters, is called the Opera Ferdinando in the middle is the Opera Vittorio while at higher level, around 467 meters, there is the Opera Carlo Alberto.  Decommissioned in 1975 by military-owned property, the fort was acquired by the Region and recovered along with the medieval surroundings. Panoramic lifts the crystal walls allows you to get from village to castle.

Culture and traditions of the Alps
The careful restoration work has been made in full compliance with the spirit of the place and in tune with the history of the imposing manor. Today the fort is thus transformed from a fortress impenetrable - known for having resisted the descent of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800 - a gateway to the culture and traditions of the Alps and is the place for meeting and sharing of environmental heritage, tourism, food and wine and culture in the Valle d'Aosta.

Strategic location
The strategic location makes it the epicenter of the Fort area in Lower Aosta Valley and Verrès between Pont Saint Martin, where natural resources are concentrated, the history and culture of these places and the surrounding peaks. Nearby is the fact Machaby climbing, the trails, lifts a large resorts of Monterosa Ski, between the valleys of Lys and Ayas, and those of Champorcher, the natural attractions of the Park of Mont Avic and culinary seduction related to local production of quality. Elements that in their diversity and unique service is a complete tourist and at the same time, represent a kind of summary of the history of Alpine tourism, from its origins to the present.

Facilities
Currently, the Forte di Bard offers visitors a first part of the many activities of the project, which merges into a single structure spaces and innovative services for the culture of high quality accommodation. To complete the project, the Fort of Bard will host, in addition to the Museum of the Alps and the rooms for temporary exhibitions, three museums (the boys' Alps, Border Museum, Fort Museum), an area of teaching in schools that includes an auditorium, conference room, media, and thematic histories, a small hotel, a restaurant and coffee shop.

Alps Museum
The Alps Museum occupies the entire first floor of the Opera Carlo Alberto, the main body of the building of the fortress. To get there takes place a real rise in altitude, thanks to futuristic elevators external crystal from the medieval village of Bard, at the foot of the Fort, rising up to the castle.
Absolute protagonists of the Museum are the Alps and the mountain today, always keeping in mind the proposed dialogue between past and present, nature and culture, with the conviction that this is the only way to understand and build a future. The invitation to the visitor is looking at the Alps, the alpine environment and society with new eyes, taking part in their lives - from resident, tourist or otherwise by passionate - with awareness and responsibility towards their future.

Special exhibitions
The ground floor of the Opera Carlo Alberto receives a prestigious exhibition space dedicated to exhibitions of great impact and resonance, focusing on the Alps and the alpine heritage in all its forms.

Prisons
The old prison of the fort, along with walkways and courtyards are among the most evocative glimpses of the imposing military architecture. Readjusted at the beginning of the twentieth century, are part of the paths of guided tours (by reservation only).

Area schools
A new staged at the Opera and the old powder magazine Mortars: a resting place and welcome all dedicated to the schools, with a classroom for workshops, meetings and screenings.

Outdoor spaces for music and theater
The courtyards of the fort have been converted into theaters equipped to host concerts, screenings and outdoor performances.

Info: www.fortedibard.it