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PONT-SAINT MARTIN, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS
Roman monuments surrounded by alpine landscapes
The first town you meet arriving in the Aosta Valley from Piedmont, Pont-Saint-Martin owes its name to its most famous monument, located right in the heart of the town: the spectacular stone bridge built by the Romans in the 1st century BC which, due to its size, it is a rare example of a single span bridge.
Its position makes it an excellent base both for accessing the nearby Lys valley (Gressoney) and for visiting various towns along the central axis of the Aosta Valley and then possibly going up the side valleys.
This area can also be explored on foot: the Cammino Balteo begins and ends right in Pont-Saint-Martin, an itinerary that allows you to discover the historical-cultural heritage of the region at medium-low altitudes in all seasons. What you will see here:
- The Roman Bridge with the Roman Bridge Museum : they are located in the center of the town, adjacent to the main square. Passing from Via Roma, you can walk across the bridge or admire it from below, from the flowerbeds that line it.
- The stronghold of the lords of Pont-Saint-Martin : also known as “'l Castel”, is located in the historic center of the town, behind the town hall square and close to the parish church. Recently restored, it can be visited when exhibitions are held inside, or by appointment.
It is enough to move away a little from the inhabited center to find yourself immersed in nature, among centenary birch and chestnut trees.
The walk towards the Baraing Castle is pleasant; continuing, you reach the picnic area of Bousc Daré and, still further, you arrive at the ruins of the medieval castle. Descending along the Regional Road 44, you pass in front of the ancient cemetery of Fontaney with the church inside .
Going up beyond the hamlet of Ivery, in Suzey you reach the nature reserve of the Pond of Holay and you can see the ruins of an ancient castle.
In Pont-Saint-Martin there is a Palazzetto dello Sport , where you can practice various sports. At the Maison du Boulodrome there are bowling greens and it is possible to practice tennis all year round on the courts adjacent to the public gardens.
Skate-board enthusiasts can find an equipped area near the train station.
Not far from the town centre, along the banks of the Lys stream, are the public gardens , a green area with numerous games for children: from swings to carousels, from pulleys to spring toys. There are also fields for practicing various sports .
In the summer period, in the area closest to the stream, an outdoor swimming pool is available, even for the very young, but they must be accompanied by their parents.
- The Patronal Festival of San Lorenzo takes place in the area of the public gardens in the evenings of the days close to 10 August, the day in which the patron saint of Pont-Saint-Martin is celebrated.
Its position makes it an excellent base both for accessing the nearby Lys valley (Gressoney) and for visiting various towns along the central axis of the Aosta Valley and then possibly going up the side valleys.
This area can also be explored on foot: the Cammino Balteo begins and ends right in Pont-Saint-Martin, an itinerary that allows you to discover the historical-cultural heritage of the region at medium-low altitudes in all seasons. What you will see here:
- The Roman Bridge with the Roman Bridge Museum : they are located in the center of the town, adjacent to the main square. Passing from Via Roma, you can walk across the bridge or admire it from below, from the flowerbeds that line it.
- The stronghold of the lords of Pont-Saint-Martin : also known as “'l Castel”, is located in the historic center of the town, behind the town hall square and close to the parish church. Recently restored, it can be visited when exhibitions are held inside, or by appointment.
It is enough to move away a little from the inhabited center to find yourself immersed in nature, among centenary birch and chestnut trees.
The walk towards the Baraing Castle is pleasant; continuing, you reach the picnic area of Bousc Daré and, still further, you arrive at the ruins of the medieval castle. Descending along the Regional Road 44, you pass in front of the ancient cemetery of Fontaney with the church inside .
Going up beyond the hamlet of Ivery, in Suzey you reach the nature reserve of the Pond of Holay and you can see the ruins of an ancient castle.
In Pont-Saint-Martin there is a Palazzetto dello Sport , where you can practice various sports. At the Maison du Boulodrome there are bowling greens and it is possible to practice tennis all year round on the courts adjacent to the public gardens.
Skate-board enthusiasts can find an equipped area near the train station.
Not far from the town centre, along the banks of the Lys stream, are the public gardens , a green area with numerous games for children: from swings to carousels, from pulleys to spring toys. There are also fields for practicing various sports .
In the summer period, in the area closest to the stream, an outdoor swimming pool is available, even for the very young, but they must be accompanied by their parents.
Festivals and Traditions:
- The Historic Carnival : it has been held in Pont-Saint-Martin for more than a hundred years, from Shrove Thursday to Ash Wednesday. The characters that animate it recall the invasion of the Romans against the native population of Salassi, the legend of the Devil who builds the bridge to San Martino and the legend of the Nymph of Lys who, offended, wanted to destroy the town, but then leaves move and spare him.- The Patronal Festival of San Lorenzo takes place in the area of the public gardens in the evenings of the days close to 10 August, the day in which the patron saint of Pont-Saint-Martin is celebrated.
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