The restoration of the Pomegranate fountain of the Castle of Issogne (AO), one of the most representative artefacts of the Val d'Aosta monumental complex and one of the most precious examples of late Gothic art at European level.
Located in the centre of the court of honour of the castle, the Pomegranate Fountain It has been the symbolic centerpiece of the Challant family's residence for centuries. The wrought iron tree, with its oak leaves and pomegranate fruits, is a work of extraordinary symbolic and executive complexity. In 1911 Alfredo d’Andrade chose it as the model for the faithful reproduction made for the Historical-Archaeological and Artistic Exhibition in Rome, which since 1928 was definitively placed at the Rocca Medievale del Valentino in Turin, contributing to his critical fortune. According to tradition, the fountain was built by George of Challant on the occasion of the wedding of his cousin Philibert of Challant-Aymavilles to Louise d’Aarberg, celebrated in 1502.
The intervention, entrusted to the Restoration Conservation Centre ‘La Venaria Reale’ under the supervision of the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Activities of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, stemmed from the need to address a complex conservation framework. The progressive failure of the soil had compromised the stability of the octagonal lapid basin adorned with carved medallions, while the metal tree had widespread oxidation phenomena, significant superficial alterations, swellings and exfoliation processes that, in the most vulnerable points, put the preservation of the artefact at risk.
The priority objective of the recovery project was to ensure the structural safety, in particular of the iron tree, by combining conservation measures with in-depth study and documentation. The restoration was preceded by a photographic and photogrammetric survey of the entire structure and by diagnostic investigations carried out in collaboration with the scientific laboratories of the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Activities of Valle d’Aosta, aimed at characterising metal finishes and mortars.
The intervention has restored to the Pomegranate Fountain conditions of greater stability and legibility, ensuring its conservation over time, through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates restoration, scientific research and documentation.
PLAISIRS DE CULTURE 2026 – APPOINTMENTS
On the occasion of Plaisirs de Culture 2026, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Activities of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta presents the restoration and conservation works recently carried out at the Castle of Issogne, with particular attention to the internal courtyard and the famous Pomegranate Fountain.
GUIDED VISITS The Pomegranate Fountain between history and restoration
🗓 alternate Tuesday 22 September at 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.
🗓 differently Thursday 24 September 16.30 and 17.30
📍 Castle of Issogne
On the occasion of Plaisirs de Culture 2026, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Activities of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta organises guided tours – to which it is possible to participate by reservation – with the participation of the JRC restorers.
🗓 attracted Tuesday 22 September, 5.30 p.m.
📍 Biblioteca Regionale B. Salvadori of Aosta
Conference In the heart of Issogne Castle: the results of an impressive restoration, by the Superintendence Department for Cultural Heritage and Activities, Historical and Artistic Heritage Structure and Management of Cultural Sites.
No reservation required
CCR and accessibility
