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Home - Travel Destinations - Savoy Castle: Aosta Valley’s Fairytale Gem and Bocelli Christmas Filming Site (2026)

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Savoy Castle - The Fairytale Castle of the Aosta valley + the Beloved Bocelli Christmas Filming Site

The Val d’Aosta (often misheard as “Acosta Valley”), home to Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia), is famous for its medieval castles, set deep in the mountains and difficult to reach via public transportation.  Aosta Valley is famous for being surrounded by some of Europe’s tallest and most dramatic peaks. Think Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso, and of course the Matterhorn. That’s why the whole valley feels like a postcard: castles perched on hillsides, villages nestled in alpine meadows, and snowy peaks towering in the background.

Our travel guide to Gressoney‑Saint‑Jean shows you how to reach this quaint village and highlights its main attraction, the Savoy Castle. I share insider tips from our castle visit, along with suggestions for exploring the surrounding area and choosing where to stay.

Savoi Castle, Castel Savoia, Andrea Bocelli film, Bocelli family Christmas album

Savoy Castle Overview (Castel Savoia, Aosta Valley)

Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia) in Gressoney‑Saint‑Jean, Aosta Valley, isn’t medieval at all—even though it looks like it could be straight out of a fairy tale. You could easily assume it’s centuries old, but it’s actually just over a century old. Its foundation was laid in 1899, and construction was completed in 1904.

Queen Margherita’s Summer Residence

Savoy Castle was built as a summer residence for Queen Margherita of Savoy and blends neo‑Gothic, Art Nouveau, and medieval revival styles—giving it a much older feel than its actual age.

Filming Location: A Bocelli Family Christmas

Christmas will be remembered by many for the famous Bocelli family’s Family Christmas album. It’s a phenomenal album and I am sure it will be an evergreen album. One we will play year after year. Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia or Savoia Castle), nestled in Gressonay-St-Jean, was the perfect setting for the filming of the album.  

In the first scene of “A Bocelli Family Christmas,” 10-year-old Virginia Bocelli is taken by surprise on a hot air balloon ride and transported to a magical Christmas setting while singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. An amazing video and an amazing rendition of the golden classic, Over The Rainbow. The hot air balloon lands in Gressoney from where Virginia heads in proper fairytale style to Savoy Castle where her mom and dad are waiting for her at the entrance. She then goes inside to join the rest of the family, Matteo, and Amos, and together they decorate the Christmas tree. Watch the movie to see how it all unfolds. 

How To Get To Gressoney‑Saint‑Jean and the Savoy Castle

Reaching Savoy Castle is wonderfully straightforward. From the Pont‑Saint‑Martin exit on the A5, simply follow the signs leading into the Lys Valley and enjoy the slow reveal of Alpine scenery as you drive all the way up to Gressoney‑Saint‑Jean. Just before you reach the town centre, a left turn points you toward Castel Savoia.

Parking: There’s a small parking area to the right of the entrance driveway, and from there it’s only a short, gentle walk slightly uphill to the castle itself — enough time to feel the forest settle around you before the turrets appear.

Best Time Of Day To Arrive: The castle can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Savoy Castle is in Gressoney Saint Jean, Aosta Valley, Italy
Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Aosta Valley, Italy

What to Expect When You Are At Savoy Castle

Savoi Castle, Castel Savoia, Gressoney Saint Jean, Aosta Valley, Italy

Savoy Castle is no doubt one of the most beautiful castles in Italy.  The castle was built from 1899 to 1904 and served as the summer home of Queen Margherita, the widow of King Umberto I, for up to a year before her death. The King was not particularly keen on the castle because he preferred to stay at the Castle of Sarre, which was ideal for him, allowing him to enjoy long hunting trips. However, he was supportive of the Queen’s wishes, although he never stayed in the castle. The castle was completed four years after his assassination in 1900 in Monza by the anarchist Gaetano Bresci.

Interior Highlights

Savoy Castle has three levels (thus small compared to most castles), with living quarters, royal apartments, and gentlemen’s quarters. The exterior is coated with grey stone quarried in Gressoney, Gaby, and Vert. There was an underground train that connected the original, separate kitchens.

The castle is home to a number of interesting artworks and historical artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture. Some of the highlights of the castle include the Royal Armory, the Royal Apartments, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. There are still a few pieces of the original furniture, a few tapestries, some Cussetti ornamental paintings, and other Dellera furniture.

Alpine Garden Views

At the manor’s base is a lovely, Alpine-floral, species-filled rocky garden, which you can see through the windows. The castle has a magnificent panoramic view of the valley, the peaks of Monte Rosa, and the Lyskamm glacier.

Savoy Castle Aosta Valley Italy Photographer Andrea Mucelli travelandhome Castles in Italy
Savoia Castel, Queen Margherita's summer residence

Guided Tours

Visits are only possible through guided tours, which can be booked in advance online.  The castle is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps available for visitors with mobility issues.

Booking Tip: Don’t book a guide if you don’t speak Italian. You can get an audio guide which is available in English, but if you have a hearing aid, that may not work for you either. There are information points throughout the inside with little bits of anecdotes of each room you’re in.

How long to spend at Savoy Castle

We spent about 45 minutes inside the castle. Allow time for walking around the castle grounds.

Insider Tip: During our visit late March, the castle was freezing cold inside. It took 77 radiators to warm up the inside for Queen Margherita. So imagine when none are on? Dress warmly.

Photo Spots

You may take photos and videos inside the castle, but flash photography is not allowed.

Savoi Castle, Castel Savoia, Queen Margherita, Gressoney Saint Jean, Aosta Valley, Italy

Nearby Places to Visit in the Aosta Valley

Aosta Town (2–3 hours)

Tucked into a wide Alpine valley and framed by snow‑dusted peaks, Aosta blends Roman history with an easy, everyday Italian charm. You wander from ancient arches to lively piazzas in just a few steps, with cafés spilling onto cobblestones and mountains rising at the end of every street.

It’s the kind of town that feels generous with whatever time you give it. A quick wander offers a beautiful glimpse of Roman ruins and medieval corners; linger a little longer, and you’ll find yourself slipping into its rhythm — a pastry stop here, a quiet cloister there, a moment to simply look up at the mountains.

There is a guided walking tour of Aosta town available that is really worth it, getting some inside info of the town.

Nearby Ski Resorts

1. Ski Cervinia - day trip

After wandering through the fairytale halls of Savoy Castle in Gressoney‑Saint‑Jean, it’s easy to see why the Aosta Valley is such a magical destination. The same alpine peaks that frame the castle also host some of Italy’s most famous ski resorts, including nearby Cervinia and the Monterosa Ski area. This means you can spend the morning exploring royal history and Gothic Revival architecture, then swap your walking shoes for ski boots and carve down snowy slopes in the afternoon. It’s the perfect blend of culture and adventure, making the valley a dream for travelers who want both storybook charm and high‑altitude thrills.

The distance from Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia) to Cervinia is about 1h 34m by car, via the SR44, A5/E25, and SR 46 della Valtournenche. 

Why It’s Special

  • It’s one of the few ski passes in the world that lets you ski seamlessly between two countries. You can start your day in Cervinia, Italy, enjoy lunch in Zermatt, Switzerland, and ski back before sunset.

You’re close to some beautiful high‑altitude skiing here too, and we’ve shared more about the experience in our story on skiing in nearby Cervinia.

2. Ski Gressoney-Saint-Jean - local

Gressoney‑Saint‑Jean is a small, laid-back ski resort. They took siesta time serious during our visit in March. You could get something to drink here and there, but restaurant kitchens were closed.

  • Local slopes: The village offers about 25 km of pistes, including the legendary Leonardo David run, a black slope so technical it’s used for World Cup races.

  • Family‑friendly vibe: Beginners and kids will love the gentler drag‑lift slopes, complete with snow cannons to maintain consistent conditions.

3. Ski Monterosa - local

If you’re craving more variety, hop over to Gressoney‑La‑Trinité, just 15 minutes up the valley. From here, you can access the full Monterosa Ski circuit, linking Champoluc and Alagna Valsesia.

  • Get your Monterosa Ski pass online before you go — it saves time at the ticket office and often comes with discounts.

  • Start early in the morning; the inter‑valley connections can take a while, and you’ll want to maximize slope time.

Best Places to Stay in Gressoney-Saint-Jean

Book an entire house near Bocelli Castle, Savoia, Apartment Tea, Gressoney Saint Jean, Italy

The entire place can be yours

Firnelicht, Gressoney Saint Jean, stay near Castel Savoia

Unwind in the spa and wellness center

The Weiss bistrot & Rooms, Gressoney Saint Jean, Italy, stay near Castel Savoia Castle Savoy

150 m from the ski lift; Ski-in, ski-out access

Frequently Asked Questions about Savoy Castle

Where was Bocelli Family Christmas filmed?

The Bocelli Family Christmas was filmed at Savoy Castle (Castel Savoia) in Aosta Valley, Italy.

Savoy Castle is a fairytale-style residence built for Queen Margherita of Savoy, admired for its Gothic Revival architecture and stunning mountain views.

Yes, Savoy Castle is open to visitors. You can explore its historic rooms and enjoy the surrounding gardens.

Andrea Bocelli performed alongside his children Matteo, Virginia, and Amos Bocelli in the Family Christmas special.

Savoy Castle is located in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Aosta Valley, and is accessible by car or public transport from nearby towns.

Its enchanting architecture and snowy alpine setting created the perfect backdrop for the Bocelli family’s festive performance.

Buy Andrea Bocelli Christmas Album, A Family Christmas

Gift it! The perfect gift for Bocelli fans.

Or book an Andrea Bocelli concert. 

Watch Bocelli Family Christmas on YouTube, Video, Free

Another travel bucket list dream unlocked! We’d love to hear from you! Have you visited Savoy Castle? Share your castle memories in the comments below — your insights help fellow travelers plan their own fairytale holidays.

Picture of Author: Arina JVR - 30+ countries, countless stories
Author: Arina JVR - 30+ countries, countless stories

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