The Fortress of Bard is an imposing barrage, erected at the entrance to the Aosta Valley. The structure, placed in a strategic position, occupies the entire rocky spur that blocks the access through the valley. The present Savoy fortress was built between 1830 and 1838 on the ruins of a previous castle, destroyed in 1800 by Napoleon's troops. The complex, designed by military engineer Francesco Antonio Olivero, is composed of several independent buildings, capable of ensuring mutual defense. From the end of the nineteenth century, the Fort progressively lost its wartime importance and was first used as a military prison and then as a munitions depot. Since February 2006 the fortress has been open to the public and can be easily visited.