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Via Ponte Romano, 11100 Aosta AO, Italy (August 2020)
Aosta
Aosta, the capital of Italy’s smallest region, Valle d’Aosta, is a charming alpine city nestled in the northwestern corner of the country. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, Aosta is not only known for its breathtaking scenery but also for its rich history, which dates to Roman times. The city is a fascinating blend of ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and vibrant modern culture, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Italian Alps. Aosta’s origins date back over 2,000 years to 25 BCE, when it was founded by the Romans as Augusta Praetoria Salassorum following the conquest of the local Salassi tribe. The city quickly became an important military outpost and gateway to the Alps, with roads leading north into Gaul (modern-day France) and west into what is now Switzerland. The remnants of this Roman heritage are still a prominent feature of the city today, making Aosta one of the most significant archaeological sites in northern Italy. One of the most striking Roman monuments in Aosta is the Arco di Augusto, (Arch of Augustus), a triumphal arch built in 25 BCE to commemorate the Roman victory over the Salassi. The arch, which stands at the entrance to the old town, serves as a powerful symbol of Aosta’s ancient past. Another key site is the Porta Praetoria, the well-preserved Roman gate that once guarded the entrance to the city. Nearby, the Teatro Romano is another fascinating relic of Roman Aosta. This ancient theatre, with its massive stone facade still largely intact, could once hold up to 4,000 spectators and is now used for outdoor performances and events during the summer months. In addition to its Roman heritage, Aosta is also home to several notable medieval and Renaissance structures. The Cattedrale di Aosta, located in the heart of the city, is a beautiful Romanesque cathedral that was originally built in the 4th century and later remodelled in the 11th and 15th centuries. Its stunning frescoes, medieval crypt, and ornate facade make it one of the most important religious sites in the region. Just a short walk from the cathedral is the Collegiata di Sant’Orso, a medieval complex that includes a Romanesque church, a cloister with intricately carved columns, and a striking Gothic bell tower.
Beyond its historical and architectural treasures, Aosta is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Aosta Valley, one of Europe’s premier destinations for outdoor activities. In the winter months, Aosta is surrounded by some of the best ski resorts in Italy, including Courmayeur and Pila, which offer excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the summer, the valley’s lush meadows, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks become a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers. Trails like the Alta Via routes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, while the nearby Gran Paradiso National Park is a haven for wildlife, including ibex, chamois, and golden eagles. Aosta is also known for its rich culinary traditions, influenced by both Italian and French cultures. Local specialties such as fonduta (cheese fondue), carbonada (a beef stew), and fontina cheese are staples of the region’s rustic mountain cuisine. The city’s lively food markets and restaurants offer a chance to sample these hearty dishes, often paired with local wines from the valley’s vineyards. Aosta is a captivating city where ancient history and alpine beauty converge. Whether you’re exploring Roman ruins, wandering through medieval streets, or venturing into the surrounding mountains, Aosta offers a rich and diverse experience that celebrates both its cultural heritage and the natural wonders of the Italian Alps.
The Arco di Augusto, or Arch of Augustus, stands as one of the most iconic monuments in the city of Aosta, located in the Aosta Valley region of north-western Italy. Erected in 25 BCE, this impressive Roman structure was built to commemorate the victory of the Roman emperor Augustus over the Salassi, a local Alpine tribe that had long resisted Roman rule. With its deep historical significance and remarkable state of preservation, the arch remains a powerful symbol of Roman power and architectural prowess in the Alpine region. Constructed from local conglomerate stone, the Arco di Augusto rises to a height of approximately 11 meters.
For more information about the
Arco di Augusto, click the image.
The Ponte Romano, or Roman Bridge, in Aosta is a striking example of ancient Roman engineering that has withstood the test of time for over two millennia. Located in the heart of the Aosta Valley in north-western Italy, this historic structure was built around 25 BCE, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, as part of the broader Roman effort to develop infrastructure in the newly conquered Alpine territories. Although no longer used for vehicular traffic today, the Ponte Romano remains a significant cultural and architectural landmark, attracting tourists, historians, and engineers alike. Originally constructed to span the Buthier River, the Roman Bridge formed a vital part of the Via consularis delle Gallie, a major Roman road connecting Italy with present-day France.
For more information about the
Ponte Romano, click the image.
The Lungolago Cesare Battisti is Desenzano del Garda’s iconic lakeside promenade, stretching through the historic centre along Lake Garda’s southwestern shore. Once characterised by its vintage charm and the modest spiaggia Feltrinelli, this waterfront path has recently undergone one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the town’s modern history.
A striking feature is the sculptural artwork Inside Two Sails” (or in Italian, Dentro le vele) by local artist Walter Xausa. This six‑metre metal installation evokes Lake Garda’s nautical heritage and sits prominently on the refreshed lakeside terrace.
For more information about the
Piazza Emile Chano, click the image.
Photo Gallery of Walk – Via Torino to Viale Giorgio Carrel
Approximately 1.51 km – 0.94 miles
The walk starts in Via Torino – Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi – Via Sant’Anselmo – Ponte di Pietra di Aosta – Piazza Vuillermin Renato – Ponte Romano Aosta – Via Ponte Romano – Via Mont Gelè – Via Mont Velan – Via Pasquettaz – Via Vetreria Antica – Piazza Arco D’Augusto – Via Sant’Anselmo – Via Sant’Orso – Via Sant’Anselmo – Piazza Porta Pretoria – Via Porta Pretoria – Piazza Emile Chanoux -Viale Conseil Des Commis – Giardini pubblici, Viale Conseil Des Commis – Via Tour Du Pailleron – Viale Conseil Des Commis -Viale Giorgio Carrel
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