From Veneto and Lombardy in the north to Calabria and Sicily in the south, we celebrate the very best of this glorious cuisine and try to bring you a little bit of la dolce vita wherever you are. This town is small but its packed with historical landmarks, old churches, and even ancient Roman-empire ruins. Best Places To Stay In Zermatt For a Trip To The Swiss Alps, Hiking The Five Lakes Trail In Zermatt, Switzerland, How To Visit Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee) In Switzerland, How To Visit The Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) In Meiringen, Grindelwald First And Hike To Bachalpsee Lake, 12 Best Places To Stay In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Aosta airport is located 5km to the east of the city. Rental car for one way drop to Switzerland? The crypts are made of giant river rocks and blocks that were removed from the old Roman structures in the city. The Piemonte Region of Italy: Planning Your Trip, The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland, France Border Travel From the North to Spain, A Map of Italy's Regions and Which Ones to Visit, The Top Spots for Skiing and Winter Sports in Italy, Weather in Italy: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature. Grappa is also a very popular digestif in Valle dAosta; the perfect way to end a meal of hearty, rich dishes. Quello che forse molti non sanno che questo piccolo angolo di bellezza alpina uno scrigno di architettura e storia romana antica, in particolare il suo capoluogo Aosta. Unique facade and wonderful interior. Monolocale terrazza panorama . It was founded in 25 BC, after the Roman conquest of the region, which belonged to the Salasses, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the Dora Baltea valley and its surrounding areas. Theres the megalithic area of Saint-Martin de Corleans; the Praetoria Gate, one of the few examples from Roman times still perfectly intact; the Theatre; the forum Cryptoporticus, the perimeter of the boundary walls almost completely intact; a well-preserved extra muros villa; and the magnificent Augustus Arch. We are Laura and Joel world travelers, photographers, and van lifers. Until the 20th century, Piedmontese was also the lingua franca used for communication between Aostans and Walsers and thus was widely understood throughout the Aosta Valley. [9] They are 6.4 metres (21ft) high, built of concrete faced with small blocks of stone. Perfect place for sky watching. Transport from Aosta to Monte Bianco Skyway?? Typical foods of the Aosta Valley. In Spain, hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly . Church dates back to the 5th century though it was rebuilt in the 11th century in a Romanesque style with three naves, three semicircular apses, a wooden trussed roof and a crypt. This bread, along with plenty of polenta, is what the locals eat as their main source of carbohydrates pasta (apart from gnocchi, often smothered in a cheese sauce) is rarely seen in the region, although youll sometimes find shapes made with chestnut flour. Visitors can only enter the grounds on a guided tour which operates every 30 minutes. Gran Paradiso National Park has hundreds of different alpine flowers, many of them rare, as well as interesting birds and animals. It is a very steep climb and not well marked. What are the best outdoor activities in Aosta? Cows are abundant so you'll find good cow's milk cheeses, such as fontina, as well as butter, cream, and beef dishes. Only a few brave souls can do it. It contains much of Italy's first National Park, the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso. Italy's Aosta Valley, or Valle d'Aosta, region is the smallest of Italy's 20 regions. Your email address will not be published. The main piazza is quite attractive and hosts one of Italy's best historic cafes, the Caffe Nazionale, which has been around since 1886. Once you arrive in Aosta, finding parking is very easy. There are plenty of shops selling delicious local delicacies, arts and crafts; and lots of restaurants and bars to sample too. Great Italian Chefs is a team of passionate food-lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest news, views and reviews from the gastronomic mecca that is Italy. The main faade of the theatre is still standing intact and looks quite impressive. The main city is Trento, famous for having hosted the historical Council of the Sixteenth century, and for its Trentodoc, one of the most precious spumante sparkling wines in Italy. Orecchiette, just one famous food from Italy's Puglia region. The tour guide explained everything in English and Italian to both international and local visitors. Schools in Valle dAosta would teach French and the language was granted official status along with Italian in theStatuto Albertinoof 1848, the first constitutional document of the peninsula, promulgated by Carlo Alberto, King of theRegno di Sardegna. Challenging trek, peaceful and splendid Alps, This was probably the most challenging hike we have ever done. Aosta is a cozy mountain town in Italy that is best known for medieval castles, lush green vineyards, and a charming downtown area. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This castle is also located on well-kept grounds surrounded by a perfectly manicured garden, park, and lush vineyards. The mountains provide lots of game and mushrooms while fresh fish from mountain streams are plentiful. In the morning indulge in a buffet breakfast featuring local specialties such as rye bread, honey, and local cheeses. Aosta is an old Roman town at 583m above sea level, and the largest in the region with a population of 35,000. The ham is so popular in Valle dAosta that theres even a festival held to celebrate it on the second Sunday of July each year in the town of Saint-Rhmy-en-Bosses. Aosta retains the walls, two gates, and the street plan of its Roman predecessor, as well as a triumphal arch in honour of Augustus and remains of the theatre, the amphitheatre, and the road from Eporedia (modern Ivrea). These tombs were used for the burials of Aosta bishops and very important people during the 5th century. The top attractions to visit in Aosta are: The best outdoor activities in Aosta according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The most popular things to do in Aosta with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Things to Do in Aosta, Italy - Aosta Attractions. What food is Aosta Valley famous for? Outside the town walls is the Arch of Augustus, a triumphal arch in honour of Augustus, built in 35 BC to celebrate the victory of consul Varro Murena over the Salassi. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The Campanile that stands to a height of 44 metres in the courtyard was built in the 12th century and there are also a number of frescoes that date from this period. Birrificio Artigianale B63 is a trendy eatery and an excellent place to unwind after exploring Old Town Aosta. The region is known also for its imposing medieval architecture (Photo: Freesurf69/Dreamstime) The name itself of the town, which today counts about 35,000 residents, comes from the Latin Augusta Praetoria.It was founded in 25 BC, after the Roman conquest of the region, which belonged to the Salasses, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the Dora Baltea valley and . This creamy fondue hails from the Italian Aosta Valley. In December this area turns into a winter wonderland featuring a decorative Christmas tree and an ice ring at the center of it. There is also an onsite bar and a wellness area with lounge chairs. Italy is on the bucket list for many traveling to Europe. What are the best places to eat in Aosta? It's an ancient Roman town, as evidenced by its grid system, with many Roman ruins to see. Thankfully it is very easy to get to Aosta from the French border so we decided to check out this charming mountain town for the day! Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The reason for Valle dAostas special status lies in its physical conformation its territory is 100% mountainous and in its bilingualism: just like Trentino Alto-Adige speaks both Italian and German, Valle dAosta speaks bothItalian and French. The Fenis Castle is an enormous medieval castle that has been well-maintained over the years and is still standing in excellent condition. Part of it is on us, since at the start of the hike we went up the wrong path (4, rather than 5) - it took us several hours to realize we had started off wrong and to reorient ourselves. Castello di Aymavilles (Chteau dAymavilles) is one of the most elaborate castles in Aosta Valley. This family built most of the castles that you can now visit in the Aosta Valley. At the center of Piazza Emile Chanoux is the Town Hall which stands out with its grand and elegant architecture. Sicilians squeeze a ton of lemons over the sandwich to ease the punishment that their stomach may encounter. What food is Aosta Valley famous for? - Curvesandchaos.com , perfectly integrated with newer architecture. Being in such a mountainous, sparsely populated region, the people of Valle dAosta are keen preservers, which means as well as jars full of jams and pickles, charcuterie is a common sight. The presence of the Piccolo and Gran San Bernardo Alpine hills makes Aosta an important strategic junction from a transport point of view (nowadays thanks to the Mont Blanc and Gran San Bernardo Tunnels). In, The Saint-Bnin College, built about 1000 by the. Those staying in the ski resort of Pila often take the 20-minute gondola-ride from there down to Aosta town to sample its delights. Valle D'aosta with its Pri Blanc grape vineyards. Aosta Valley's cuisine is simple but based on fresh ingredients from the mountains and streams. Osservatorio Astronomico della Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta e Planetario di Lignan, Ancient Ruins, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Architectural Buildings, Historic Walking Areas. From lace-making and iron work to sculpture, carving and pottery, the Aosta Valley is full of craftwork for visitors to admire. Castello Reale di Sarre is such a quintessential stop and a must-see in the Aosta Valley region! The Alps stretch across eight different countries, and wherever you are the food shares many traits: hearty, humble, filling and rich. Our trip to Aosta was my first time seeing Roman Empire ruins, made even more impressive by the grand Alps as the backdrop! Covering an area of 3,263 km2 (1,260 sq mi) and with a population of about 128,000 it is the smallest, least populous, and least densely populated region of Italy.Aosta Valley. The name derives from the Portuguese da Costa, a cognate of English "coast." Acosta is the 60th most common Spanish surname . You can also take a small elevator to the top floor where you can see exhibits of the different architectural styles that have been incorporated into Castello di Aymavilles over the years. In the nearby was the amphitheatre, built under Claudius. Valle dAosta, the smallest region of Italy, is tucked away at the northwestern corner of Piedmont. Aosta is the largest city in the Valley. It is well known for its historical buildings, amazing architecture, and diverse culture. Aosta Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience, Aosta Valley Castles Private full day tour, Wine tasting tour Aosta Valley Alpina-Tour (Courmayeur, Chamonix), Hotels near Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, Hotels near Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso, Hotels near Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Hotels near Osservatorio Astronomico della Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta e Planetario di Lignan, Hotels near Chtillon-Saint-Vincent Station, Hotels near Citta Di Torino Airport (TRN), Motels near Citta Di Torino Airport (TRN). Not far, there was also an amphitheater, which is today part of a convent. Amongst the apple and pear orchards of Valle dAosta youll also see plenty of walnut and chestnut trees, both of which play a huge role in the local diet. Temples and stores were built, too, with most homes found in the southern part of town. Nelle scuole valdostane si insegnava il francese e la lingua ottenne lo status di lingua ufficiale insieme allitaliano nello Statuto Albertino del 1848, il primo documento costituzionale della penisola, promulgato da Carlo Alberto, re del Regno di Sardegna. The Aosta Valley is bordered to the south and east by the Piemonte region, known for its excellent cuisine and for winter skiing, where you'll find the Susa Valley and the less-visited Chisone Valley. Beef and game are the most popular meats although youll also see pork and goat on the menu while locally grown nuts and orchard fruits are renowned for their incredible flavour.