When we think about the Aosta Valley, we immediately think of the ski slopes of Cervinia, Courmayer and Pila, famous all over Europe and destination for anyone who loves skiing, trekking, snowboarding and ice-skating. This region offers amazing natural attractions, but there are also other cultural and traditional treasures.
Those who come from the south can use the symbolic entrance represented by the municipality of Pont Saint Martin, starting point of the road that penetrates into the beautiful Gressoney Valley. The first century BCE Roman Bridge, over which the old consular road to Aosta used to pass, is an example of the Roman influence on this territory.
Along the valley that goes from Pont Saint Martin to Courmayer, we can count a good 82 buildings that stand on the valley like sentinels, including primitive fortifications, military fortresses, residences and watch-towers, evidence of the region’s rich feudal history, offering visitors the opportunity to follow an incredibly engaging and interesting route. The most famous castle in the Aosta Valley is the Castello di Fénis, which looks austere but is in fact a collection of the best defence techniques for that time; its refined interiors reveal the wealth of its former occupants. Other beautiful castles are the castle of Issogne, Sarriod de la Tour, Sarre, Saint- Pierre, and Ussel, to name but a few.
The road plotted by the castles leads to Aosta, a mix of Roman and medieval history, enriched by picturesque traditions. This essentially Roman town shows some visible signs of that period with important monuments such as the Augustus Arch, the Praetorian Gate and the city walls, which you can walk on taking a long and pleasant stroll, almost for the entire length. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is particularly interesting, with the archaeological excavations that can be visited under the present floor of the church, and the monumental building of the Sant’Orso Collegiate Church, dating back to the eleventh century. The fair that takes place every year in Aosta at the end of January is dedicated to Saint Orso, too.
Thousands of tourists fill the decorated streets of the old town, which shows off the oldest crafts of Aosta Valley, from sculpture to wood, from wrought iron to hot stone, leather, wool fabrics, lace, as well as games and masks.