The main fortresses of the Duchy of Savoy at the beginning of the Spanish succession war

Click on the icons and look at the pictures (from “Theatrum Sabaudiae”)

The fort of Demonte
It was built at the end of 16^th century when the Stura valley was annexed to the Duchy of Savoy; it was not involved in military operations during the Spanish succession war

Vercelli

The town, situated next to the border of the Duchy, opposite to Spanish Lombardy, was protected by strong defensive works; nevertheless on 19^th july 1704 it was taken by the French-Spanish Army

The fortress of Montmelian

This fortress used to control in Savoy the Isère valley ; it was taken by French Army after a two years’ siege and then destroyed.

Villafranca

The bay of Villafranca (today Villefranche), close to the town of Nice, is one of the most beautiful and well protected bays of the Mediterranean  sea.
It was the port of the Duchy of Savoy and was fortified by a citadel and two forts

Cuneo

The town of Cuneo, at the exit of two alpine valleys, bore in its history  many sieges, but was not involved in military operations during the Spanish succession war

The fort of Bard

In a key position to control the Aosta valley, considered as impregnable, this fort played no role in the Spanish succession war; it was yielded  to the enemy without  anyfighting by its governor, a Swiss mercenary.

The fortress of Verrua
Located high on the hills, overlooking the Po river, Verrua controlled the main road from Lombardy to Turin. It was taken after a six months siege, which caused the enemy so many losses that all the following operations were delayed, and the Duke had the time to turn Turin into an almost impregnable fortress

Susa
The town of Susa, with its Santa Maria fort, played a strategic role as it bordered upon  the high Susa valley which in those years was a French territory. It was taken by the French army and later reconquered by the Austrian – Piedmontese army after the battle of Turin