Aosta · Italy

Tower of the Bailiffs

North-eastern corner of the Roman circuit. The tower takes its name from the bailiffs, the Savoyard officials who administered justice here. It then met the fate that makes this place difficult to regard lightly: it became a prison, and remained one until the 1980s. Two thousand years of successive functions, and the last was to keep people inside. Observe the small high windows: some are Roman, others were cut much later, for reasons unconnected with the defence of the city.

Go deeper

Who were the bailiffs?

Officers appointed by the House of Savoy to represent the duke in a district: they administered justice and collected taxes.

Was it really a prison?

Yes, until the 1980s. After it closed, the building was taken in hand for restoration.

What is still Roman?

The base and much of the corner masonry, still part of the circuit. The medieval and modern additions sit on top.

Where it is

Via / Rue Guido Rey, 11100 Aosta · 45.74036, 7.32211 · Open in Maps

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