Xploration dates 2019, 2023
Discover the haunting beauty and rich history of the “Sepolcreto dei De Sonnaz,” a once-majestic mausoleum now shrouded in mystery and decay, where the legacy of the noble De Sonnaz family and their ties to the Savoy dynasty linger amidst the lush countryside and looming Alps.

In a picturesque expanse of lush countryside, framed by the majestic Alps, lies the “Sepolcreto dei De Sonnaz,” a solitary and enchanting monument that pays homage to the last lords of these ancient lands.

This Gothic-style structure, built from terracotta bricks by Vesmi in 1897, stands out in bright red against the landscape. To a traveler, it emerges like a spectral figure shrouded in dense gray fog, reminiscent of a mysterious creature from Tolkien’s mythology. The building evokes a sense of melancholic pride, crowned by soaring pinnacles adorned with iron weather vanes that creak in the wind, bearing the ancient arms of the noble family.

The monument, established on lands granted as a noble feud in 1363 by Prince James of Savoy-Acaja, serves as the final resting place for the Counts Gerbaix De Sonnaz, a family of Savoyard origin. The first known figure in this lineage, Guido, dates back to 1150 and was referred to as “nobilis vir Guidus apud Gerbaissy.”

In 1860, when Savoy was ceded to France, the De Sonnaz family chose to adopt Piedmontese and Italian citizenship. This prominent family played a significant role in the wars of Italian unification, with many of its members displaying remarkable honor, heroism, and glory.

The De Sonnaz clan had two enduring traditions: a commitment to military service and a strong connection to the Savoy dynasty. They fought valiantly for this dynasty, receiving titles, public offices, and court positions in return. Among the notable De Sonnaz family members are Colonel Maurizio Gonzaga, Carlo Alberto, and Generals Ettore and Giuseppe De Sonnaz, all of whom became senators of the Kingdom and were awarded the Supreme Order of the Collar of the SS Annunziata, ultimately becoming relatives of the King.

The main entrance of the mausoleum is flanked by four exquisite white marble columns topped with intricately sculpted capitals and two empty niches, also bordered by sculpted marble columns. Inside, the structure is divided into two sections: one for the public and the other for the celebrant, featuring a solemn gray marble altar. The public section boasts a beautifully coffered wooden ceiling. Previously, six artistic bronze candelabra, each adorned with the family crest, graced the altar, accompanied by a large bronze crucifix above them. Labarums, flags, ribbons, and funeral wreaths, some offered by sovereigns, adorned the walls, while a marble slab featuring the family crest was set into the center of the floor. To the left of the tomb lies a finely crafted bust of Maria Teresa Gallone, the wife of General Ettore, whose descendants partially inherited the De Sonnaz lineage.

Contrary to expectations, the mausoleum contains no signs, plaques, or indicators of the De Sonnaz family tombs. According to their wishes, three members were walled up along the left altar wall.

Sadly, the mausoleum has fallen into a state of complete abandonment and decay, left to the ravages of time and neglect. It bears evident signs of vandalism, with marble columns, altar marbles, and any portable valuables having been plundered. Furthermore, a few years ago, the tombs were opened, and the remains of the De Sonnaz family were removed, though it remains unclear whether this was done by relatives or others. A local resident recalls that the remains were taken but does not remember the exact year.

The floor is cracked, and parts of the roof have collapsed, contributing to the overwhelming sense of sadness and desolation that pervades the site.

Once a proud testament to the valor and heritage of the De Sonnaz family, the “Sepolcreto dei De Sonnaz” now stands as a haunting relic of lost glory, enveloped in decay and silence, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the fragility of legacy.