Symbols of the military power of the Savoy dynasty, the forts sit atop steep mountain sides. The most renowned is Fenestrelle Fort, emblem of Turin Province and one of the most formidable defence constructions of all Piedmont: this majestic structure – defined “the great wall of Piedmont” – straddles some 5 kilometres of the south-east side of Monte Orsiera. Rivalling this fort in architectural potency there are Exilles Fort, built to monitor the passage of people and goods from Monginevro, and Bramafam Fort which dominates the entrance to Fréjus and was built between 1874 and 1889 to protect the rail tunnel inaugurated just a few years earlier.

Also leading lights in and beyond Turin are the castles which were often used as hunting lodges. Canavese holds many of these ancient dwellings: the best known are Masino Castle at Carvino, owned by FAI (the Italian National Trust) since 1987, and the residence of Conte Camillo Benso at Cavour Castle in Santena. Others are Pralormo Castle, forming the backdrop to a yearly display of thousands of tulips, and Rivara Castle which has been reborn as a valuable contemporary art museum.