You are planning a trip to Aosta but you still don’t know what to visit? Today we will show you what to see in Aosta or rather the 5 unmissable places of this city, a perfect destination in every season.
But first a bit of history, to better immerse ourselves in the culture of the territory. Aosta, regional capital, is a small town that preserved many traces of the past. Aosta was founded in 25 B.C. by the Romans, with the name Augusta Praetoria Salassorum in honor of the Emperor Augustus, it has been defined “the Rome of the Alps”.
In fact, Aosta is the second Italian city after of course Rome, to preserve the greatest number of Roman remains. Aosta was fortified by building an imposing ring of wall and 4 gates, positioned at the 4 cardinal points, allowed the access to the city. Thanks to the presence of the Alps and the city walls, Aosta did not suffer significant invasions.
Besides to the roman remains, Aosta preserves also Medieval structure made up of towers and churches.
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Walking through the streets of Aosta
But now let’s go into the heart of Aosta and enjoy the wonders that the city offers. Walking quietly through the historic center of Aosta, you will discover that the area is rich in history and culture. Nearby there are all the most famous attractions of Aosta.
The Arch of Augustus
Imagine you are in the center of the city and you are taking a walk, a few steps from you there is the first symbol of Aosta: The Arch of Augustus.
The arch was built in 25 BC, on the occasion of the Roman victory over the Salassi and it’s constituted by a fornix with barrel vaults.
We can recognize two different styles of architecture: the Doric order in the entablature and the Corinthian order in the capitals of the ten columns.
The arch of Augustus testifies to the greatness of the Roman era, for this reason it has become one of the most important symbols for the residents of Aosta.
Porta Praetoria
From here we continue our walk and we find another symbol of the city: Porta Praetoria.
As we already mentioned, there were 4 gates that allowed the access to the city, one for each cardinal points.
Porta Praetoria was the oriental gate, it had 3 openings which are still visible today, the central one for carriage and the side openings for pedestrians.
It’s impossible not to be fascinated by its beauty.
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The Roman Theater
Just a few steps from Porta Praetoria, we will find the Roman Theater. It was built some decades after the foundation of the city.
What remains today include the cavea (the grandstand), the orchestra, the scene of which only the foundations remain and the southern facade standing at 22m.
During the summer the Theater hosts shows and concerts, while during the Christmas period the Theater is the beautiful setting for the christmas markets with a unique and evocative atmosphere.
Piazza Emile Chanoux
In the central area of the city there is the main square of contemporary times. It was dedicated to Carlo Alberto of Savoy, but later changed its named to Emile Chanoux, martyr of the Resistance against nazifascism in the valle d’Aosta.
Piazza Emile Chanoux is the site of the city hall.
The Cryptoporticus
Another symbol of the city is the Cryptoporticus, a subterranean monument. The Cryptoporticus was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2020.
The Roman monument surrounded the sacred area of the ancient city forum. The Cryptoporticus of Aosta is divided into three parts with a horseshoe layout and internally split into two barrels.
Cryptoporticus function: original function is not yet clear but looking at other archaeological examples of cryptoporticus it is assumed that it had both structural functions, but also liturgical-political.
Aosta is waiting for you!
These are just some of the most characteristic points of this wonderful town, now you just have to reach us and look with your own eyes all the beauties that reserve, immersing yourself in the city, tasting typical local products and taking advantage of the many excursions.
What are you waiting for?
Aosta is ready to welcome you, at any time of the year! If you need to stay in a comfortable historical apartment equipped with all comforts, please contact us.