Exilles, a fort in the Susa Valley – prison of the Man with the Iron Mask

If you drive over the Col de l'Echelle towards the east into the Piemont, you will come down into the Susatal. Shortly after the turnoff to Sestriere and the Col de Montgenevre, you will reach the village of Exilles. The mighty fortress that dominates the valley is visible from afar. The long and wide ramp that ascends to the fortress from the west is interesting.
 

Unlike many fortresses and forts in the border region of the Alps, the beginnings of this complex date back to the 12th century. Since then, it has had to endure many battles and much destruction.

The legend of ‘the man with the iron mask’ is famous. He is said to have been held prisoner here in the fortress. However, it is still not known who he really was. It is rumoured that he could have been a twin brother or an illegitimate son of a French king. According to legend, this happened at the beginning of the 17th century.

The fortress is open during the high summer months. There is a car park and a bistro and café in the fortress courtyard. From Exilles, you could continue the tour in the direction of Susa. From there, you can return to France via the Col du Mont Cenis or via the Colle delle Finestre, if it is open. From there, you can take the Assietta-Kammstraße, which is only open to traffic with engines on Wednesdays and Sundays (as of June 2024).

More information here...