The Aosta Valley is a region rich in culture and traditions that reflect its unique history, shaped by its particular geographical location. The cultural heritage of the area ranges from architectural remains from different eras to the countless castles and fortifications scattered across the territory, as well as centuries-old traditions and characteristic regional events. The cultural wealth of the Aosta Valley is well-preserved and valued, allowing everyone to discover the authenticity and beauty of this small but extraordinary region.

For more information on cultural sites in the Aosta Valley, we recommend visiting the following pages:
valledaostaheritage.com
lovevda.it/en/culture

Culture

• Aosta Romana

Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, the Roman name for the city of Aosta, was founded by Emperor Augustus in 25 B.C. after various clashes with the local population, the Salassi. Remnants of the Roman city are still well-preserved, giving Aosta the nickname “Little Rome of the Alps.”
The main points of interest are:

• • Roman bridge
    Also known as Pont de Pierre (stone bridge), it was part of the Roman road to the Gauls and crossed the Buthier stream. Today, the watercourse has changed its path, leaving only the streambed under the bridge.
  • Arch of Augustus
    This honorary arch dedicated to the emperor was erected to celebrate the power of Rome, which had definitively defeated the Salassi to found the city. The arch has been modified over the centuries but remains the symbol of the city and an accurate representation of Roman architecture.
  • Porta Praetoria
    The largest of the four gates to the Roman city, it is the only one that remains perfectly intact and well-preserved. The gate served as the monumental entrance to the city and was divided into two sections: the central part formed the passage reserved for carts, while the two sides were for pedestrians.
  • Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre (closed until May 2025)
    The Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre were likely part of the city’s entertainment district; remnants of the theatre, such as the seating area for spectators, the orchestra space, and the majestic 22-meter-high façade, are still visible. A portion of the amphitheatre is included within the Santa Caterina convent. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the original functions of these buildings were forgotten.
  • Roman Forum – Cryptoporticus
    The city center was characterized by the Roman Forum, the economic and cultural heart of the city. The forum area was surrounded by the Cryptoporticus, a hidden colonnade, an evocative underground space and the only remaining part of the complex, which can still be visited today.
  • City Walls
    The Roman walls served to defend the city but also to instill fear. The upper part featured a walkway, and the walls were surrounded by towers, some of which are still visible despite modifications. The city of Aosta preserves some parts of this wall in perfect condition, visible at various points throughout the city.

• Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley – Saint-Barthélemy

The Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley and the Lignan Planetarium are located in the Saint-Barthélemy valley, starting from the village of Nus. The observatory conducts scientific research, technology transfer, education, and outreach in astronomy and astrophysics. At the same time, astrophysicists are involved in educational activities with schools and the public, including guided night tours at the observatory and shows at the planetarium.
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• Museum of Vine and Wine – Donnas (near Fort Bard)

This small museum is located in the village of Donnas, where viticulture has always thrived thanks to a favorable climate, despite the challenging terrain due to its steepness. Wine production and sales continue to be essential for enhancing the area. Inside the museum, you can see tools used in the past and still today for grape harvesting, along with an illustration of the techniques used to process local wines.
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Castles

• Fénis Castle

Fénis Castle is one of the most famous in the Aosta Valley, thanks in part to its exterior, which resembles the classic image of a medieval castle. The fortress is situated on a small promontory and consists of towers and a structure.
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• Savoy Castle – Gressoney-Saint-Jean (near Fort Bard)

Above Gressoney-Saint-Jean, in the Walser territory and at the foot of Monte Rosa, lies Castel Savoia, a late 19th/early 20th-century building that served as the summer residence of Italy’s first queen, Queen Margherita, wife of King Umberto I of Savoy. Specifically located in the Belvedere area, the interior of the castle is rich in painted decorations, wood paneling, medieval-inspired furnishings, and numerous references to the daisy, the flower from which the queen took her name.
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• Issogne Castle (near Fort Bard)

Issogne Castle stands on the remains of an ancient Roman villa and was the refined secular residence of the Challant family. Its current appearance is the result of various interventions, but it still retains its original characteristics and houses centuries of history and marvelous masterpieces within its walls.
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• Royal Castle of Sarre

This castle, located on a promontory in the municipality of Sarre, was chosen by Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, as his hunting residence, declaring the surrounding areas a royal hunting reserve, which later became the Gran Paradiso National Park in 1922. Inside the castle, visitors can learn about the history of the Savoy family and see their hunting trophies.
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• Aymavilles Castle

Aymavilles Castle is located at the entrance to the Cogne Valley. Its current appearance is the result of a series of 18th-century interventions aimed at combining medieval aesthetics with baroque elements. The interior has been transformed into a sort of house-museum; indeed, the castle has become home to the collection of the Académie Saint-Anselme, the oldest cultural institution in the Aosta Valley.
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• Gamba Castle – Châtillon (near Fort Bard)

Gamba Castle, named after Baron Gamba, was a gift for his wife, conceived as a residence in the early 20th century. Today, the building houses the modern and contemporary art collection of the Aosta Valley, with 13 rooms and over 150 works on display. The castle offers a variety of workshops and activities for all visitors, from children to adults, with the aim of bringing people closer to modern and contemporary art. Its strategic location on a promontory overlooking the valley floor provides a breathtaking view.
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• Verrès Castle (near Fort Bard)

Built on a rocky promontory by the Challant family, just a few steps from the Evançon stream, Verrès Castle is one of the most famous in the Aosta Valley, both for its architecture and its position, which offers a wonderful view of the valley below. A unique feature of the castle is that, during the historical Carnival of Verrès, its halls are opened for celebrations dedicated to Catherine of Challant.
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• Saint-Pierre Castle

The picturesque Saint-Pierre Castle is located on a rocky spur in the Tache area and dominates the surrounding landscape. Since 1985, the building has been used as an exhibition space for the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences, offering visitors a dual experience: in addition to discovering the castle through its history and remaining parts, it is possible to immerse oneself in the knowledge of the Aosta Valley’s fauna, flora, and ecosystem through the museum.
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