Heritage: Saint-Denis

Rising up on rocky outcrop that gives control over the entire valley in an area that saw settlements dating back to prehistoric times (Bronze Age and Iron Age), this castle is fully part of the category of so-called ‘primitive castles’ by virtue of its mighty donjon, that dates back to the first thirty years of the 11th century, and the military chapel dedicated to Saint Maurice, a jewel of Romanesque architecture.

The castle belonged to Cly branch of the Challant family and was the legal seat of a vast estate that included the territories of Verrayes, Diémoz, Saint-Denis, Chambave, Antey, Torgnon, up to the entire area of Valtournenche. Following dramatic events it passed on to the House of Savoy who kept it until 1550. In the 17th century the building was purchased by the Barons Roncas who distmantled many materials for the construction of their palace in Chambave.

The residential buildings and the guardhouse, located in the southernmost part of the castle, are now reduced to a state of ruins.. Guided visits in summer periods.

The Bull issued by Innocent on the 12th May 1204 mentioned the parish church in Saint-Denis as a dependent of the Vicarage of Saint-Gilles. In 1754 the parish was left to the free collation of the bishop.
The current church in Saint-Denis was rebuilt during the mid XVIII century and consecrated on the 3rd June 1794 by Mons. François De Sales. In 1963, due to numerous cracks, the building was declared dangerous and the regional council took on the work of reinforcing and restoring the building. In 1984 it was re-opened to the public.

In a dominant position over Valtournenche and the entire valley floor, the chapel of Saint-Évence stands on a panoramic plateau that can be reached in about half an hour's walk from Col Saint-Pantaléon. Its origin is ancient: it existed as early as the 13^th century and was dependent on the collegiate church of Sant'Orso of Aosta. Recently restored, the chapel is still a destination for pilgrims, particularly to invoke a spring full of beneficial rains for the crops.

According to official church annals, Saint Évence was an Eastern priest who came to Rome along with Saint Theodul. Both were martyred in 132 A.D., under Emperor Hadrian, along with Pope St. Alexander. In the entire Aosta Valley you can also find another legend, much more rooted in the territory and its spiritual geography.

Popular tradition recognizes Saint Évence as a soldier of the legendary Theban legion who escaped the slaughter of Agaunus along with his brothers Theodule and Julian. After their escape, the three found refuge in the Aosta Valley, where they chose a life of solitude and prayer, each on a peak now linked to their names: Théodule in the Valtournenche area, Évence above Torgnon and Julien near Fénis. Saint-Évence, from this plateau, would have been able to peer into the dwellings of his hermit brothers, acting as a spiritual link between them.

A mysterious element adds charm to the place: on the eastern edge of the plateau, overlooking a precipice, you can find what is still called the "Saint-Évence hole." Legend has it that the saint, during his struggles against demons or hostile shepherds, according to various legends, forcefully drove his staff into the rock, miraculously creating that opening to anchor himself and resist aggression.