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AOSTA: THE SMALL "ROME" AMONG THE ALPS
Alpine capital and crossroads of Europe
Aosta (580m), capital of the region, with its 34,000 inhabitants is the only city in the Aosta Valley.
It should also be remembered that Aosta is the transit point of the Via Francigena , the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome which, in the Valle d'Aosta section, descends from the Gran San Bernardo and continues along the central valley up to Pont-Saint-Martin.
The Romans founded the city in 25 BC, calling it Augusta Praetoria in honor of the emperor Octavian Augustus.
Known as the Rome of the Alps, Aosta retains a large part of the original city walls and a prestigious archaeological area between the Porta Praetoria, the perfectly preserved majestic entrance to the city, and the Roman Theater which, with its monumental facade, represents one of the most significant testimonies of the time.
The visit is particularly pleasant if wandering through the lively pedestrian streets and the central Piazza Chanoux, in pursuit of shopping, gastronomic specialities, to be enjoyed in the numerous restaurants, bars and wine bars in the center or by attending organized events and activities.
Exceptional Roman vestiges are still well preserved, as are medieval masterpieces that contain prestigious works of art.
Absolutely not to be missed are:
The iconic Arch of Augustus and the Porta Praetoria , one of the best preserved gates in the Roman world.
The Roman Theater , today home to open-air events and shows and the Cryptoporticus forensics , an underground Roman building that amazes with its atmosphere.
The Cathedral and the Collegiate Church of Sant'Orso which contain works of art from the Middle Ages such as the 11th century frescoes in the attic, the floor mosaics, the wooden choir. In the Cathedral you can also visit the treasure museum, while in Sant'Orso the marvelous cloister with its sculpted capitals is not to be missed.
The early Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo , built to house the burials of the first bishops of Aosta, stands under the deconsecrated church of San Lorenzo, home to art exhibitions.
The MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum , a neoclassical building which houses its archaeological collections and important temporary art exhibitions.
The megalithic area of Saint-Martin de Corléans , one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Europe.
Restaurants:
Via Croix de Ville, 34, 11100 Aosta
Telephone: +39 0165 210868
Internet: www.aldentetrattoriaaosta.com
Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto, 14 – 11100 Aosta
Telephone: +39 0165 230845
A wide selection of Italian wines and different Regions with representative labels of the territory. Famous producers but also less known ones with particular stories and still little known. Ample space is given to the Aosta Valley, to the recently rediscovered vines and to unpublished local productions.
Open every day from 12.15 to 14.30 and from 19.15 to 21.00.
Closed Wednesday evening and Thursday all day
Via D'Avise, 14, 11100 Aosta
Tel: +39 0165 1850847
Website: info@stefenellidesk.com
It should also be remembered that Aosta is the transit point of the Via Francigena , the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome which, in the Valle d'Aosta section, descends from the Gran San Bernardo and continues along the central valley up to Pont-Saint-Martin.
The Romans founded the city in 25 BC, calling it Augusta Praetoria in honor of the emperor Octavian Augustus.
Known as the Rome of the Alps, Aosta retains a large part of the original city walls and a prestigious archaeological area between the Porta Praetoria, the perfectly preserved majestic entrance to the city, and the Roman Theater which, with its monumental facade, represents one of the most significant testimonies of the time.
The visit is particularly pleasant if wandering through the lively pedestrian streets and the central Piazza Chanoux, in pursuit of shopping, gastronomic specialities, to be enjoyed in the numerous restaurants, bars and wine bars in the center or by attending organized events and activities.
Exceptional Roman vestiges are still well preserved, as are medieval masterpieces that contain prestigious works of art.
Absolutely not to be missed are:
The iconic Arch of Augustus and the Porta Praetoria , one of the best preserved gates in the Roman world.
The Roman Theater , today home to open-air events and shows and the Cryptoporticus forensics , an underground Roman building that amazes with its atmosphere.
The Cathedral and the Collegiate Church of Sant'Orso which contain works of art from the Middle Ages such as the 11th century frescoes in the attic, the floor mosaics, the wooden choir. In the Cathedral you can also visit the treasure museum, while in Sant'Orso the marvelous cloister with its sculpted capitals is not to be missed.
The early Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo , built to house the burials of the first bishops of Aosta, stands under the deconsecrated church of San Lorenzo, home to art exhibitions.
The MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum , a neoclassical building which houses its archaeological collections and important temporary art exhibitions.
The megalithic area of Saint-Martin de Corléans , one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Europe.
Restaurants:
- TRATTORIA AL DENTE: al dente is a restaurant located in the historic center of Aosta in the "pedestrian area". A warm and welcoming reality, giving a feeling of attention to detail. The environment is informal but professional. It presents typical menus of the classic and timeless Italian cuisine, from raw meat to homemade pasta and truffles. The homemade bread and the many wine labels make the restaurant one of the best known and most established in the historic centre.
Via Croix de Ville, 34, 11100 Aosta
Telephone: +39 0165 210868
Internet: www.aldentetrattoriaaosta.com
- OSTERIA VACHE FOLLE: The Osteria La Vache Folle in Aosta offers home cooking with typical Aosta Valley products. The restaurant's specialty is excellent quality meat. Typical Aosta Valley cured meats are also offered in addition to the classic fondue, grilled meat, entrecote, snails, tartare. The liqueurs and homemade desserts are excellent, as well as a wide selection of Aosta Valley and regional wines.
Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto, 14 – 11100 Aosta
Telephone: +39 0165 230845
- STEFENELLI DESK: It is the summary of a journey that starts from the territory of our Valle d'Aosta, leads to northern Europe first to Bonn and then to Lake Constance, brings with it flavors encountered around Ireland and finally returns to tradition . The mixture of different tastes and cultures is what Marco Stefenelli wants to convey to his guests with his cuisine.
A wide selection of Italian wines and different Regions with representative labels of the territory. Famous producers but also less known ones with particular stories and still little known. Ample space is given to the Aosta Valley, to the recently rediscovered vines and to unpublished local productions.
Open every day from 12.15 to 14.30 and from 19.15 to 21.00.
Closed Wednesday evening and Thursday all day
Via D'Avise, 14, 11100 Aosta
Tel: +39 0165 1850847
Website: info@stefenellidesk.com
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