Torre Civica di Aymone di Challant and Fortified Village

Site overview

A symbol of the ancient defenses of Lanzo. Standing 24 meters high and already equipped with a clock in the 16th century, the tower still preserves the signs of its military function, including Ghibelline merlons, machicolations, and Gothic arches.

The tower likely owes its name to Aymone di Challant, a castellan in the service of Margaret of Savoy, widow of John I of Montferrat, who arranged for the improvement of the village’s fortifications in the first half of the 14th century. In medieval times, the structure was closed by a massive gate, of which the upper hinges are still visible today, and by iron gratings that were lowered for further protection.

The entrance is located on the north façade and features a pointed arch in decorated brick, supported by stone capitals, while the top of the structure is crowned by corbels, machicolations, and Ghibelline merlons characterized by a pleasant and refined alternation of terracotta and light stone elements.

The stone slab (lose) roof was added in the 19th century to protect the municipal bell. The tower is 24 meters high and was already equipped with a clock by the mid-16th century.