It is often thought that Aosta is a town that only offers mountains, snow, and ski resorts. In reality, despite its excellence in these areas, Aosta is primarily an astonishing city of art, with a truly interesting architectural and cultural heritage.
What to See in Aosta: Following in the Footsteps of the Romans
The culture and architecture of ancient Rome have left a significant artistic legacy in Aosta. A recommended itinerary includes a pleasant walk along the path of the Augusta Praetoria. Start at the Arch of Augustus (built in 25 BC), the gateway to the delightful pedestrianized historic center of Aosta, and proceed to the Porta Praetoria (the ancient eastern entrance to the city). Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming cobbled street via S. Anselmo, filled with artisan shops with French signs.
Beyond Porta Praetoria, it is worth visiting the majestic ancient Roman theater. Composed of three orders of overlapping arches, with a 22-meter-high facade, a 45-meter-long proscenium, and snowy mountains in the background, it is an unmissable stop.
The Roman itinerary must also include the Roman Bridge, the funerary area of Porta Decumana, and – above all – the cryptoporticus forensis. The cryptoporticus forensis is probably the epitome of the grandeur of this ancient dominion. It consists of a marble gallery that once connected the temples dedicated to Emperor Augustus and the gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
What to See in Aosta: The Churches and the Square
Aosta’s art is also expressed through its churches, long-standing symbols of our country. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Basilica of San Lorenzo are worth a visit. The former, with its 60-meter-high bell towers, is among the tallest buildings in the entire Aosta Valley. The latter is one of the oldest churches in Italy, dating back to the fifth century.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta contains various treasures: 11th-century frescoes, splendid 15th-century stained glass windows, and two precious mosaics (12th and 14th centuries) depicting the cycle of the months and the four rivers of the Earthly Paradise.
A visit to the Cloister of Sant’Orso, with its 40 capitals illustrating scenes from the Gospel, will take you back to the early years of the first millennium. An unmissable symbol of Aosta is Piazza Chanoux, dedicated to the martyr of the same name who was killed by the Nazis in 1944. Piazza Chanoux is surrounded by splendid buildings and framed by the Alps. From here, the shopping streets of Aosta begin, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Discover Aosta: a city capable of telling many different, beautiful stories.