Things to do in Aosta Valley Italy – what to see, best cities, attractions and activities.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Arco di Augusto

Located at the entrance of the historical center, the arch celebrates the victory of the Romans over Salassians. Used for centuries as a fortification as a private residence it has a single arch and semi-columns with Corinthian capitals.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Praetoria

Formed by two series of arches, it was the main entrance to the walled city. The central arch was intended for the passage of wagons, while the two sides for pedestrians.

Aosta - Archaeological Sites

Teatro romano

Access to the theater is located near Porta Pretoria, at the end of Via Sant'Anselmo and the beginning of Via Porta Pretoria. Built in Roman times, under Emperor Claudius, it occupied an area of 81 m wide and 64 m long. During the summer season, concerts of the “Listen with Passion” and “Music with Heart” exhibitions take place at the theater.

Aosta - Archaeological Sites

Foro Romano

Dating back about the end of the 1st century BC, you can descend cryptoportico in which it is divided into three sides of the forum, one of which is under the church. Above it were placed two temples.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dei signori di Quart

The Tower of Lords of Quart, the former Tower of Lords of Porta Sancti Ursi, was built in the Middle Ages on top of the Roman foundations. Over the years it was restored several times, to arrive at its present appearance, as it was damaged and the architectural elements of the building were lost. Since 1830 it has been hosting various exhibitions in the area and archives.

Aosta - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa collegiata di Sant'Orso

The collegiate church of Saints Peter and Orso constitutes, together with the Cathedral of Aosta, the most important testimony of the history of sacred art in Valle d'Aosta. Of particular interest are the ancients Ottonian frescoes preserved between the roof and the cover of the central nave, and the cloister with its magnificent medieval capitals.

Aosta - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di Aosta

It dates back to the fourth century AD and has a structure with a Latin cross plan with three naves and a small cloister. Made in different architectural styles: Romanesque, Renaissance and Neoclassical, it houses interesting frescoes from the eleventh century.

Aosta - Museums

Museo del Tesoro della Cattedrale

This museum includes several works belonging to the heritage of sacred art from different churches in the region. Among the most precious works of the museum there is a Roman cameo and also the late Roman ivory diptych by Anicio Petronio Probo.

Aosta - Streets and Squares

Fiera di Sant Orso

Bard - Natural Areas

Archeoparc

Verres - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Verrès

A majestic example of monoblock castle, it was built in the last decade of the fourteenth century by Ibleto of Challant, member of one of the leading noble families in Valle d'Aosta.

Etroubles - Museums

Museo a cielo aperto

22 are the works of art by world-famous artists inserted in the medieval village of Etroubles in collaboration with the Pierre Gianadda Foundation of Martigny. A beautiful path through streets, fountains, vegetable gardens, flowers dominated by forests and beautiful mountains.

Saint Denis - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Cly

Located in the village of Cly in the municipality of Saint-Denis, it is an ancient medieval castle in the Aosta Valley. The castle of Cly is formed by a primitive city wall, crowned by battlements that enclose the Internet buildings. The main entrance is located north, originally protected by a door guard.

Chatillon - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Ussel

Built in 1343 by Ebalus II of Challant, it was used as a prison and barracks from 1470. It is the first one-piece Aosta Valley castle, with the shape of a parallelepiped and rectangular plan. Built on the living rock, which in some parts emerges inside the structure.

Gressoney Saint Jean - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San giovanni Battista

Originally from 1500 and later rebuilt in 1725, is the parish church of Gressoney Saint-Jean. The interiors are elegant and large.

Gressoney Saint Jean - Museums

Museo regionale della fauna alpina Beck-Peccoz

The Beck-Peccoz Wildlife Museum houses four thematic exhibition halls and numerous hunting trophies from the Beck-Peccoz collection and the most important species of alpine fauna.

Sarre - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Sarre

The castle was built around the middle of the thirteenth century in a strategic position above a hill overlooking the valley to be later renovated. The current architecture characterized by a massive longitudinal body with a tall rectangular tower adorned with battlements.

Gressoney la Trinite' - Museums

Museo Walser

The 'Walser Museum' in Gressonney la Trinité offers an example of a rural home that has undergone various adaptations, depending on the use and property, but numerous (especially in architecture) are the signs of the passage of this ancient civilization.

Cogne - Parks and nature reserves

Giardino botanico alpino Paradisia

Open from June to September, it is located in the heart of the Gran Paradiso Park at 1700 meters above sea level. The visit can be done individually or through guided tours, the cost of the entrance ticket is 3 euro adults 1.50 children.

Gressoney Saint Jean - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello dei Savoia

Built at start of '900 for Queen Margherita of Savoy, which lived there until 1925. Currently a pine forest surrounds the Savoy Castle. From the castle you can enjoy an excellent view over the Monte Rosa.

Arnad - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Superiore di Arnad

The Upper Arnad Castle is located right next to the Machaby Valley in the municipality of Arnad. The castle was built by Saverio of Arnad, between the 12th and 13th centuries. Unlike the Lower Castle of Arnad, it is not possible to visit its interior as it remains to be private property and not of the Valle d'Aosta region.

Quart - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Quart

The Quart castle located in the homonymous municipality was built in 1185 by Jacques de la Porte de Saint-Ours, the founder of the dynasty of the Lords of Quart. Currently the castle belongs to the Municipality of Quart (since 1800). It is not possible to visit its interior, except for a few occasions.

Nus - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Nus

Still inhabited today, it is not possible to visit it except on some occasions. Also called Plane Castle, Nus Castle is located in the municipality of Nus near the hamlet of Plane. Built around the 13th century, it is a medieval castle where many frescoes in Baroque style are kept.

Issogne - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di lssogne

Considered as one of the most famous castles in Val d'Aosta, the Castle of Issogne is located in the locality “La Place”. It is possible to visit its inner courtyard where there is a fountain and the porch with various frescoes. The Castle can be visited through a guided tour.

Introd - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Introd

Introd Castle is located in Plan d'Introd, called “Château d'Introd” in French. It was built in the twelfth century and made it a real fortress in 1260 by Pierre Sarriod, the founder of the Aosta Valley noble family. It is also possible to visit its interior.

Aosta - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Santo Stefano

The Church of Santo Stefano located between Jean-Laurent Martinet street and via abbé Joseph-Marie Trèves was renovated in the 18th century on the basis of another church. Inside there is a wooden statue of St. Christopher.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Bramafam

As part of the Bramafam Castle, the Tower of Bramafam can be seen only from the outside. The name "Bramafam" comes from a legend that tells the story of the death of the wife of a member of the family of Challants. He locked his wife in the tower because of jealousy, who died lamenting the suffering caused by starvation.

Aosta - Bridges

Ponte di Pietra

It is a Roman monument of Aosta, located near the Arch of Augustus. Also called “Pont de Pierre” in French, it was built above the Buthier stream to allow the passage from one bank to another. It measures approximately 17 meters.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Lebbroso

Built on the remains of another Roman tower, the Torre del Lebbroso takes its name from the leper Peter Bernard Guasco who lived there from 1773 to the Order of Saints Maurice.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dei Signori di Porta Sant'Orso

Raised the medieval period, the Torre dei Signori of Porta Sant'Orso was built with blocks from the ancient Roman walls. It was originally the residence of the noble family moved to Porta St. Orso.

Aosta - Museums

Museo Archeologico Regionale

The rooms of the Archaeological Museum show evidence of the presence of man in the Aosta Valley from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. To visit the entire museum it is possible to carry out a path where you can enjoy interactive multimedia media.

Aosta - Parks and nature reserves

Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso

The Gran Paradiso National Park established in 1922, is the oldest Italian National Park. It is located at the turn of the Valle d'Aosta and Piedmont regions, and in addition to the protection and conservation of the territory, it was also established as a scientific research body.

Saint Barthelemy - Astronomical Observing Sites

Osservatorio Astronomico

The Astronomical Observatory is a structure, completed in mid-2003, unique in its kind for the characteristics and variety of the instrumentation available.Equipped with the latest equipment, it allows you to realize high-level scientific research, and educational activities for teachers and students.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Cinta Muraria Romana

The tower has come almost intact to the present day. It formed a rectangle of 724 m by 572 to defend the Roman military outpost from the assaults of Gauls.

Fenis - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Fenis

Considered as one of the most famous medieval castles of the Aosta Valley, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the Aosta Valley, it is located in the municipality of Fenis. Famous for its architecture with its crenellated double belt, which surrounds the central structure and towers. The Castle can be visited only through a guided tour.

Courmayeur - Natural Areas

Monte Bianco

Also called “Monte Blanc” in French, Mont Blanc is located in the Northern sector of the Alps, precisely in the Graie Alps section. Of granite nature, Mont Blanc reaches 4,810.45 meters in height.

Brusson - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Graines

The Graines Castle can be visited free of charge, is located near the village of Graines. From the Castle you can enjoy a view of Brusson and the Val d'Ayas. The castle is surrounded by a city of about eighty meters by fifty. Inside it there was a donjon, a chapel and a square tower.

Brissogne - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Brissogne

Built in the 13th century by the lords of Quart, the Castle of Brissogne is currently reduced to ruin, there remains only a cylindrical tower that can be visited externally.

Bard - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte di Bard

The Fort of Bard represents one of the best forts built in the early nineteenth century. It remained almost intact, it is possible to visit it from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00. It consists of three main buildings: the Opera Ferdinando, the Opera Vittorio, and the highest, the Opera Carlo Alberto.

La Salle - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

The Parish Museum is located in the church of San Cassiano. It was created in 1990 to make the protection of religious objects possible. Inside the museum there are liturgical objects that belonged to different chapels in the village. Among the objects we can mention: vestments, wooden statues, crosses and also a beautiful statue of the Madonna with the Child brought from the Chapel of Charvaz.

Gignod - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Gignod

Visited only from the outside, the Torren of Gignod is located in the resort of Château. It was a lookout tower with the function of signaling the advancement of enemies towards the main Aosta Valley castles.

Gignod - Museums

Piccolo Museo Parrocchiale

The Small Parish Museum of Gignod was built in 1979 in the rectory of the basilica built in the fifteenth century. In the gallery we find sacred utensils and religious furnishings, among which the cups of the 17th-19th century. Other important testimonies present in it are two crosses of the 15th-17th century, a Madonna Enthroned from the 13th century, a St. Anthony of the fifteenth century and a silver urn from the 17th century. In one of the facades we find paintings from 1480 Franco-Swiss.

Courmayeur - Museums

Museo Alpino "Duca degli Abruzzi"

Chatillon - Museums

Piccolo Museo Parrocchiale

The Small Parish Museum is located inside a church which was mentioned for the first time during the 13th century. The museum displays sacred objects among which we can mention a reliquary house in silver dating back to the fifteenth century. Two statues of the fifteenth century are also very special; that of St. Paul and Young Baptists.

Champdepraz - Museums

Museo Naturalistico

The Naturalistic Museum is divided into rooms, two in general. In the first room there are some display cases with birds, mammals and insects while in the second room there are illustrations of local uses.

Saint Vincent - Museums

Museo di Mineralogia e Paleontologia

Inside the museum it is possible to view over 650 minerals and 150 fossils, and it is the most important collection present in Valle d'Aosta. It is possible to visit the museum free of charge on public holidays and Saturdays from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 15.30 to 19.

Saint Vincent - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

The Parish Museum is set up inside an ancient church built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Inside it is possible to admire the wooden statues, such as the statue of the Madonna and Child dating back to the second half of the fourteenth century. In addition, among the sacred objects, of great importance is a silver foil cross from the fifteenth century and a glass painted in 1561.

Valgrisenche - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

The Parish Museum contains objects that belong to the Medieval period. In the Museum we can admire a style cross that belongs to the 13th century. There are also other very special objects of sacred art.

Valtournenche - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Pailleron

Located on the square of the railway station, is called the "Pailleron" as it was used as a barn for a long time. At the end of the nineteenth century the tower was restored by Alfredo d'Andrade.

Ayas - Museums

Piccolo Museo Parrocchiale

The Parish Museum of Ayas is located inside the Church of San Martino in Ayas, in Valle d'Aosta. The church was erected in the 14th century. Inside it houses a collection of objects and works typical of the Aosta Valley. Of great interest is the baroque altar in pure gold.

Bionaz - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

The Parish Museum of Bionaz is located inside the Church of Santa Margherita built in 1694. On the outside of the church we can admire frescoes and paintings by the famous painter Ettore Mazzini in which Santa Margherita was depicted, while inside there is a high altar in decorated wood in 1990 in the Baroque style. In addition, the Museum houses sacred art objects from the chapel of La Lechère.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Tour Neuve

It is a cylindrical tower with battlements and security door. Located near the Palace Roncas, this tower takes its name from the last owners.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Tour Fromage

It is a tower with a square-shaped base, not very tall, the name derived after the family Du Fromage or Casei. Since 1975 is the home of the major events and art exhibitions owned by the Valle d'Aosta region.

Aosta - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dei Balivi (Tour du Baillage)

The tower was built in the twelfth century by De Palais. The structure was built over the foundations of the Roman walls. He took the name "Balivo" as in the fifteenth century it was the seat of the bailiff of the time and, consequently, hosted the prisons and the courts. Today, the tower is not opened due to renovations.

Gressan - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Tour de Villa

The Castle of Tour de Villa once also called “Tower of the Poor” is a private Valdostan castle (open only from the outside) located in the municipality of Gressan. It is a medieval castle less known than the other Aosta Valley Castles, it was inhabited until 2011 by the owners.

Champorcher - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Champorcher

It is a tower dating back to the 14th century, used as a signaling tower during the Middle Ages. It's what's left of the Castle, which has been destroyed. Today it is the symbol of the country of Champorcher. It is possible to visit the tower only externally.

Chatillon - Castles, palaces and mansions

Torre di Conoz

Called the Tower of Conoz or Cono, it is the most important tower in the municipality of Châtillon. The municipality Châtillon launched a call in 2012 for the renovation of this tower, which will probably be destined for non-hotel accommodation facilities. It is not possible to visit the inside of the Tower.

Donnas - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Pramotton

Also known as Vert Tower is a medieval tower located in the town of Pramotton, in the municipality of Donnas. It has a hexagonal shape and a raised front door for extreme defense in the event of an attack.

Etroubles - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Vachery

It is a medieval tower located in the hamlet of Vachéry. It was built in the 12th century on Roman foundations probably as a watchtower. In 2011, the hypothesis of a possible restructuring was announced. The tower is only visible externally.

Arvier - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Montmayeur

Also known as Arvier Castle, it is located in the municipality of Arvier in Valle d'Aosta. It is possible to freely visit what remains of the Castle or the ruins. Taking the path that starts from the village of Grand-Haury it is possible to arrive at the Castle.

Aosta - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Roncas

It is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the city. Built between the end of the 500 and the beginning of the 600 by Pierre-Léonard Roncas from which it takes its name.

Pontboset - Lakes, rivers and canals

Torrente Ayasse e i suoi ponti

Alpine stream with the possibility of practicing kayaking, kanyoning and fishing, its stone bridges with the turtle and the snake drawn by the rocks below.

La Salle - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Châtelard

The Castle of Châtelard is one of the oldest castles in the Aosta Valley region. Reduced to ruin, it is privately owned and therefore can be visited only from the outside. Located in Château (municipality of La Salle). This castle had a function of controlling any attacks by invaders.

Montjovet - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Saint-Germain

The Castle of Saint-Germain is located in the hamlet of Montjovet, in Valle d'Aosta. Its position (on a rocky spur at 656 m) allowed to better control and defend the village. It turns out to be one of the most strategic castles in the Aosta Valley together with the Fort of Bard and the Castle of Châtel-Argent.

Montjovet - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Chenal

The Chenal Castle also known as Tour Chenal, located a few kilometers from the municipality of Montjovet, is an ancient medieval castle of Aosta Valley. It was built in the 13th century by the Chenal family. After seconds of abandonment, only the ruins remain of the castle.

Perloz - Castles, palaces and mansions

Tour d' Hereraz

Valpelline - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Tornalla

Ayas - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino

A rectangular building with three naves; it is the result of restoration works in the nineteenth century. It has a tall bell tower dating back to the XV century. Worth of note is the Major Altar in its inside, built in carved wood.

Gressoney la Trinite' - Churches and places of worship

Parrocchiale di S. Giovanni Battista

Built in '700 with the goal of expanding the existing facilities . The parish of Gressoney Saint Jean on June 24 celebrates its patron saint San Giovanni Battista with solemn rite.

Gressoney la Trinite' - Museums

Museo Parrocchiale

This museum is located inside the Church of S. John the Baptist. Here is preserved a precious wooden crucifix in the first half of the thirteenth century.

Antagnod - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa parrocchiale di San Martino

The current building is the result of changes to an existing building, probably dating to the fifth century. Rather curious is the bell tower whose Byzantine-style dome was added in 1856, the tower of the existing contemporary church.

Antagnod - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di S.Maria

Built in 1500, it is characterized both by the Gothic style and the Renaissance - and includes inside the altar tomb to Mauritius Savoy and a late Baroque altar of the Savoy age.

Antagnod - Streets and Squares

Plàia del Bisbe

Neoclassical square featured by the Civic Theatre, the Bishop's Palace and the Casa Doria.

Antagnod - Castles, palaces and mansions

Maison Fournier

Set in the historical centre of Antagnod, Maison Fournier is a splendidly preserved building with a long balcony: one of the most beautiful rural houses of Val D'Aosta, where the exhibition on local manufacts is permanently on show.

Pre'Saint Didier - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Lorenzo

It was rebuilt in the fifteenth century and enlarged at the end of '800 and the current building was consecrated by Archbishop Duc, bishop of Aosta, on July 3, 1891.

Villeneuve - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Antica di Santa Maria

In 1416 the church was provided with several altars and a prestigious liturgical furnishings. Over the next two centuries new chapels were founded.

Villeneuve - Castles, palaces and mansions

Châtel-Argent

Thanks to its geographical position, with Bard and Montjovet, it was one of the best points of defense of the Valle d'Aosta. The castle, designed as a fortification, contains within its walls the old chapel of Santa Colomba.

Valtournenche - Astronomical Observing Sites

stazione meteorologia di plateau rosa

Introd - Zoological Gardens and Aquariums

Parc Animalier d'Introd