Culture

The Aosta Valley is for many tourists a destination that means also a holiday where to enjoy a rich culture.

Anyone who sets his senses, mind and imagination, on the history and culture of a region, can move along many itineraries, like the famous via Francigena, one of the streets, or perhaps, the most important of Italy during  the Middle Ages, as it used to link the Alpine regions with the main capital, Rome.

Of great interest are the numerous medieval castles and fortifications that witness of a particularly rich feudal past. We recommend a visit to the Castle Fénis, the Castle Issogne and the Castle Ussel. Of great interest is also the Fort Bard, an impregnable nineteenth century defensive position that has just been  restored. The Fort Bard houses the Museum of the Alps and other temporary exhibitions.

You will also admire the monuments of Imperial Rome: the “Via delle Gallie”, the remains of the bridges of Saint-Vincent and Châtillon, the remains of the road Montjovet and stretches of road and ruines in Arvier, Mecosse, and Leverogne Runaz, the aqueduct-bridge in Pondel , the Roman Theatre, the Cryptoporticus and the Arch of Augustus.

In autumn, you will then see the Désarpa, the traditional return of the cows from the pastures up in the mountains. You will also have an excellent opportunity to appreciate local products. The day of “désarpa” traditionally coincides with the feast of San Michele.

Unforgettable days await you to discover the history and the roots of this beautiful region in the heart of the Alps, among the highest peaks of Europe.