Heritage: Aosta

Site included in the Aosta archeologica cumulative ticket

Under the village’s old parish church, archaeological diggings brought to light the early Christian cruciform basilica, indicated as Concilium Sanctorum , the Assembly of Saints because it was built on the tombs of some of the early martyrs who were buried in the Roman cemetery area which in itself was built on a protohistoric funeral settlement.
Inside you can see parts of the liturgical structures, the relic platform with the tombs of three bishops who lived between the V and VI centuries (Grato, Agnello, Gallo) and other tomb chambers dating from between the V and VIII centuries.

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One of the most interesting prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe but also a place where history has continued to leave evidence even in subsequent centuries. Come to Aosta and take advantage of the museum's initiatives and guided tours and discover all the technological innovations of the recent museum setup.

The archaeological site

The area, brought to light in 1969, measures approximately one hectare, and is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Europe, offering a fascinating overview of significant moments stretching across almost 5000 years of history, from the late Stone Age up to the present.

The term megalithic area has been used as a summary description of the finds in Aosta, which has currently no equal, and can only be compared - albeit partially - with the site at Sion, Petit-Chasseur, in Switzerland.

“Megalithic area” refers to a portion of land of a certain, clearly defined size, featuring a variety of different megalithic monuments.
This site is more than just a simple line-up of menhirs or standing stones featuring human figures, or a burial ground, or a series of individual dolmen tombs: these finds demonstrate the existence of a sacred area destined from its origins to hosting recurring activities linked to worship and burial.

Five structural phases have been identified, from the Recent Neolithic (end of the 5th millennium B.C.) through the Copper Age (4th - 3rd millennium B.C.) to the Bronze Age (2nd millennium B.C.).

Initially conceived as an open-air sanctuary destined for the cult of the living, it was not until the latter centuries of the 3rd millennium that it became an important burial ground, with monumental tombs of a variety of megalithic types.

In chronological order, visitors can observe: traces of a propitiatory furrow ritually sown (end of the 5th millennium B.C.), followed by the creation of a line of wells, at the bottom of which are ritual offerings such a millstones, along with the remains of fruit and cereals.

From a later point in time (beginning of the 3rd millennium B.C.) was a line of at least 24 wooden totem poles facing from North East to South West, later replaced by 46 huge anthropomorphic steles, the first authentic manifestation of in this area of megalithism, magnificent masterworks of prehistoric statue construction.

The area took on a clear burial function with the construction of the first megalithic tombs, which were probably occupied by distinguished families from the community and were built entirely above ground. A particularly significant example is the so-called “Tomb 2”, erected on a distinctive triangular platform of stones, used for almost a thousand years as a collective tomb and containing the remains of 39 individuals.

The museum

Visiting the museum implies a trip back from the present day into the prehistorical age: along a route dotted with images referring to human history, the walkways that set out from the entrance to the museum take visitors down to the level of the actual archaeological site (about 6 metres below road level).

The view here is striking as visitors explore the dimensions of time, the tones of the light colour the environment that envelops the archaeological finds: the dolmen, the standing stones brought down, the platform, the traces of the grooves ploughed…

The visitor route constantly looks out onto the archaeological site, in a sort of on-going dialogue between the indoors (the museum) and the outdoors (the site). Explanations, further details and interpretations can be found on the learning and multimedia supports.

Not to be missed:

• the suggestive ramp of time enriched by three-dimensional elements
• the astonishing Immersive room
• the large hall of steles where you can admire 46 anthropomorphic stelae found on the site
• The section dedicated to Protohistory which illustrates the great changes that occurred in the area at the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, when the agricultural function took over the funerary one: numerous human footprints can be observed imprinted in the plowed land found on the occasion of the most recent archaeological excavations. Furthermore, in this space you can appreciate the large funerary mound from the Iron Age (1st millennium BC) with its original walking surface
• on the upper floor the protagonist is the Roman era divided into two sections: one dedicated to daily life in a rustic environment, and the other to the necropolises excavated over the years along the road, below the parish church and the nursery school; here there are 20 tombs characterized by very rich grave goods, as well as very different funerary practices and rituals in terms of chronology and typology
•  the medieval section concludes the visit itinerary by presenting evidence relating to the small Romanesque church of Saint Martin.

There is also an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions and a conference room.

Several important cultural, scientific and political figures from Valle d’Aosta who died between the first half of the Nineteenth century and the early decades of the XX century are buried in the old cemetery in the village of Sant’Orso.
There is a neogothic chapel there that was built towards the middle of the XIX century by the Counts of Castigliole who had their family tomb there.

A building, rich in architectural elements, located in via Porta Praetoria 42-52, built at the beginning of the XVIII century by François René of Nus (in fact it was called “Palace of the Nus barons”). During the building of the Hôtel de Ville (1836 - 1842) it was the location of the administrative offices of Aosta.

Private - only the hall may be visited.

Located in Via des Sales, 3, the bishop’s palace, renovated at the end of the nineteenth century, is connected to the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral by a gallery, whose building began in 1667 and finished about one century later.
Public Audiences, the periodical court held by the Dukes of Savoy, were held in the parlour called the “di Cognia” room between 1222 and 1466.
Another room houses frescoed medallions with the portraits of the bishops of Aosta.

In the hamlet of Porossan, in Chiou stands a magnificent aqueduct-bridge across the “ru Prévôt” canal. It is a magnificent construction in partially plastered stone and lime, stretching approximately 70 metres in length, that allows the canal to flow through the valley below, where the river Parléaz runs, between the villages of Neyves and Serod (Porossan) in Aosta. The bridge gives off a feeling of grandness due both to its stone roof and because of some windows that light up inside making the inside visible.

The “rus” are canals that carry water to the driest parts of the region.
This vast network of canals, the most complete and well organised in the Alpine range, dates back to Medieval times, from the beginning of the XIII century to the end of the XV century, when the warm, dry climate and poor rainfall made it essential to set up new irrigation structures. The rus pass through forests, meadows and hills and head down towards the main valley, sending water drawn from the upper flow of rivers towards the inhabited areas and making the mountainous ridges fertile.

The Ru Prévôt takes its name from the Cathedral provost, Enrico di Quart who had it built in 1288 and includes the 70 metre long Porossan aqueduct on its trail, described by the abbé Henry, historian, writer and mountaineer, as “one of the most beautiful monuments preserved from Medieval times”.

It is the western addition (towards the left, looking at the facade) of the Municipality of Aosta.The structure was built in 1724 (therefore prior to the Municipality); inside this building meetings of the State General Assembly were held, presided by the Bishop and by the Knight Commander. The “Conseil des Commis” would also meet and the archives of the Duchy of Aosta were held inside.

Currently the building holds a few municipal offices and some temporary exhibitions.

The site is not accessible to people with disabilities.

Located on the square with the same name, the palace was commissioned in 1606 by Pierre-Léonard Roncas, first secretary of state of the Duke of Savoy,Charles Emanuel I. It later became the seat of the Savoy administration, a sub-prefecture during the Napoleon era and, lastly, an intendance office.
The vaults in the atrium, over the staircase and room that overlook the internal courtyard, are decorated with Italian school frescoes depicting mythological scenes and nature and with zodiac signs, in manneristic style.

The palace it’s not visitable.

According to tradition, this building, located in via Sant’Anselmo 66, saw the birth of Anselmo d’Aosta (1033-1109), who became abbot of the Bec monastery in Normandy and then archbishop of Canterbury in England. Anselmo d’Aosta is famous for being a theologian and philosopher; his name is particularly tied to the “ontological” proof of the existence of God.

Private property - Not visitable.

The large Neo-Classic porticoed building was erected in 1839 on the site of the Cordeliers Franciscan monastery, seriously damaged by French revolutionary troops.
The two fountains on the facade symbolise the city’s two waterways, the Dora Baltea and the Buthier.
The square in the front, now dedicated to Emile Chanoux, martyr of the Resistance, was created by demolishing the church of St. Francis, connected to the monastery.
The staircase and atrium which houses a valuable model of the Valle d’Aosta, can be visited during town office opening hours.

Having crossed the bridge over the Buthier River, along the road that used to lead to the monumental Porta Praetoria, the main access road to the Roman city, the honorary arch dedicated to the emperor Augustus was erected.
It used to be an eloquent sign of the presence and power of Rome, which had definitively defeated the Salassi during the year 25 B.C. and founded the new colony.
The arch, which is characterised by its severe stateliness, typical of the architecture of the late Republican era, is a single round arch, measuring 8.29 metres in width, like the road that crosses it. The pillars at its sides have half-columns at the four corners on attic bases surmounted by Corinthian capitals, the same that divide up the facades and the sides. These surfaces were originally interrupted by reliefs which most likely had monumental representations located in the four alcoves of the facade. A Doric trabeation with tryglyphs and metope closes what remains of the monument in the upper section, for centuries it has been stripped of the attic on which the commemorative inscription was written in bronze lettering. During the Middle Ages, the arch was called “Saint-Vout” given the presence of an image of the Saviour which was positioned on it and then later replaced with the Crucifix. In 1716 the Conseil des Commis decided to preserve the monument from the infiltration of water by covering it with a slate roof. The Arch was definitively restored between 1912-1913, an excavation nearby, dating back to the early years of the 1900’s, brought to light two large letters in gilded bronze, which most likely formed part of the dedicatory inscription.

These are the foundations of an elegant Roman residence outside of the city walls, some of the rooms are still recognisable, with the remains of the mosaic flooring and the traces of a heating system.
The archeological digs in the suburban villa in the Consolata region were followed in 1971 by construction works, bringing to light the majority of the ancient structures that are currently visible, further digs, during the mid 80’s, extended our knowledge of the central part of the complex - the tetrastyle atrium with impluvium, tablinum -.

Situated in an area known for its significant traces of population prior to the foundation of Augusta Praetoria (25 B.C.), near a sub-hilly branch of the ancient road network towards Alpis Poenina - Gran S. Bernardo -, the villa is rectangular in shape, compact and with a predominance of residential style areas (pars urbana), reserved for the dominus and his guests, with respect to the service areas, the deposit areas and possibly, areas for processing agricultural products (pars rustica and fructuaria): the limited presence of these indicates a link with activities carried out in a fundus (land, estate).

Site included in the Aosta archeologica cumulative ticket

This monument, which dates back to the Augustan era, is the subject of much debate; its main purpose was to create a structure for containing and levelling the ground that must have been slightly sloping from north to south in that part of the town, creating a difference of level between the holy area and the adjacent forensic plateau. Beside this secure structural function, the hypothesis was later put forward that the semi-buried part could have been used as a warehouse and military storage area (horreum). However, following the latest research, it emerges that this use should radically be excluded due to the structural aspect of the monument, its particular location or as a result of a comparison with other similar examples. The marble colonnade (porticus triplex) that stood over it (now destroyed, and of which no archaeological evidence remains in situ) acted as a scenic frame for the two original twin temples of the holy terrace.

Here we find ourselves in the northern part of the Roman Forum complex, right in front of the Cathedral entrance, corresponding to a raised holy area, which was in turn separated from the one used for civil and trade purposes (piazza Severino Caveri), thanks a small decuman passage, which roughly corresponds to the current Via Mons. De Sales.

In technical and mapping terms, the Aosta cryptoporticus is divided into three parts with a horseshoe layout and internally split into two barrel vaults with a central sequence of lowered arches. The length of the two sides is 71.80 m, while the central section extends further, with an internal length of 87.10 m.

Originally, two monumental passages would have opened onto ends of the side wings with openings onto the sides of the central staircase.
The galleries are lit by a series of splayed windows that allow an adequate air flow; over the course of the year, the internal temperature of the cryptoporticus remains constant.

When compared with all these cases, old and new, Italic and rural, which archaeological research has always defined as examples of the public and specifically forensic cryptoporticus, the Aosta example could also be interpreted as a noble structure, linked to the imperial cult and the self-celebration of local nobility, religious bodies or professional citizens.
It is therefore fair to suppose that the cryptoporticus can be interpreted as areas with a specific political-liturgical function: a sort of midpoint connecting the holy (the holy area and the relative temple buildings) and the profane (the public square).

As some medieval maps appear to document, the Cryptoporticus structures were still used in the following centuries, when they were transformed into cellars and became widely referred to as the “Marché des Romains”.

This important necropolis from Roman times was found 200 metres west of Porta Decumana, along the road leading to the Alpis Graia (Little Saint Bernard Pass). It is a discovery similar to that of other necropolises near Porta Praetoria and Porta Principalis Sinistra , all gateways to Augusta Praetoria (Aosta).
The site was used for a long period of time, up to around the end of the first millennium, when the building was gradually abandoned. Thus, the necropolis was used both during the Roman Age and the Early Christian period, and it was fairly normal to have Pagan and Christian graves side by side. Also the religious rites of the deceased were very similar.
The necropolis hosts three mausoleums with rectangular halls, known as the cellae memoriae , and an Early Christian basilica , which dates from the end of the IV century to the entire V century. The basilica shows a strong resemblance to similar Christian buildings located on Roman necropolises situated outside the town walls, such as the Church of San Lorenzo and the Church of Santo Stefano.

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The Decumanus Maximus (what are now the Porta Pretoria, De Tillier and Aubert roads) linked the Porta Praetoria to the western exit of the Roman city: the Porta Decumana. From here the road that led to the Alpis Graia (hill of the Piccolo San Bernardo) commenced. With a double curtain and three passages flanked by towers, this doorway was re-adapted and remained in use throughout the middle ages and the modern age. It was known by the name Porta Friour, del Plot, di Saint-Genis, di Savoie and di Boczana, but the more frequent name was Vaudane (from Vaudagna = Valdigne).

The doorway lasted until 1812, the year in which it was demolished on the orders of the prefect of the Dora Department, in view of the restoration of the district and the widening of the road. The results of a series of excavation campaigns carried out in this area between 1988 and 1991, in compliance with the restoration of the former Hospice of Charity for the creation of the new Regional Library, allowed for the original physiognomy of the doorway to be outlined.

A considerable portion of the tower situated on the northern side of what is now Via Aubert still remains, the southern one, on the other hand, has been almost completely demolished down to the foundations. The digs brought a section of the paving of the decumanus maximus and part of a drain back to the surface.

The site cannot be visited at present.

This monument is situated between via Sant’Anselmo and via Porta Praetoria.

Situated on the eastern section of the walls, it provided the main access to the city of Augusta Praetoria, built in 25 B.C. after the defeat of the Salassians by Terenzio Varrone.

It had three openings, which are still visible today: the central one for carriages and the side openings for pedestrians. The area inside the openings was used as a troop parade court, in its southern section, the land was dug up as far as the level of the ground during the Roman era (approximately two metres below the current level - the difference in height is due to the debris transported by river floods). On the outer facing openings you can still see the grooves from where the gates were lowered at night.

The eastern facade still has some of the marble slabs that once covered the entire monument, on the inside it consists of blocks of puddingstone.

In the Middle Ages, on the top of the monument in correspondence with the ancient patrol walkway, a chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity was built, from which the Porta Praetoria itself also took its name for several centuries. Following the demolition of the chapel in 1926, an ancient oratory against the eastern side of the door was restored (now only a niche remains).

The Porta Principalis Dextera was located at the southern curtain of the walls and allowed for access to the countryside and the bridge over the Dora, situated in the hamlet of Clerod in Gressan. It had a single carriageable fornix, without a troop parade court and was supported by two towers. The excavations thanks to which it was discovered got underway in the nineteenth century with D’Andrade, while the complete arrangement and repair of the entire surrounding area date back to 1936.

Amidst the Roman material that was re-used during the middle ages to close the lower part of the door, in 1894, the sandstone base of a statue of Augustus was found, it had been erected by the Salassians in 23 B.C., bearing the commemorative inscription: “Salassi incolae qui inizio se in colonia contulerunt”. In the surrounding area there are also the remains of a popular and commercial area dating back to the 2nd century A.D. (the area of the children’s garden).

During the Middle Ages, the doorway took the name Beatrix, the viscounts of Aosta, who controlled the entire south-western perimeter of the walls, built their fortress on the ruins of one of the Roman towers that flanked it. This complex, which was called Bramafam castle, has a circular shaped bastion, at the base of which the Roman walls on which it was erected are still visible.

From the Porta Principalis Sinistra the itinerary that once led to the Gran San Bernardo Pass commenced (Summus Poeninus). Up until 1843, the remains of this building were still visible in the northern part of Roncas square; Palazzo Rolle, a building dating back to the 30’s, situated at the side of Palazzo Roncas, occupies the area of one of the towers (the western one) that flanked the Roman doorway.

The eastern tower, on the other hand, called “de la porte” during the middle ages, became the nucleus around which a feudal dwelling place rose up, the ancient bastion was demolished during the course of the 17th century, by which time it had become part of the Visitation convent. Its appearance is recognisable in a late-seventeenth century view of Aosta, while its presence is still certified in the map by De Tillier dated 1730.

In the basement area of the Regional Archaeological Museum (ex Visitation convent) you can observe the remains of the south-eastern edge of this tower, with the Roman use levels and the only section of embankment, with the relative counterscarp, still resting on a section of the roman walls.

Coming from the Lower Valley, the first ancient monument in Aosta to welcome visitors is the Roman bridge that sits above the ancient course of the Buthier River. It characterises the eastern quarter of the city, called Pont de Pierre, that is, “bridge of stone”. Parallel to Corso Ivrea, a short distance from the Arch of Augustus, the bridge is perfectly preserved and is still used as a thoroughfare today, although the Buthier River changed its course during the Middle Ages and the waters no longer flow under the single humpback arch with its 17.16 m span. Approximately 6 m wide, it was built during the Augustan age with blocks of stone, in compliance with the customary Roman models of the time.

The southern facade 22 metres high with its overlapping arches, the lower part of the semi-circle of steps that housed the spectators (cavea) and the foundations of the wall that acted as a backdrop (scaena) are still well visible. Some scholars have supposed that the theatre was covered by a stable roof. During the Middle Ages numerous constructions were loan against the theater’s walls, but were then demolished during the modern repair and restoration works.

The boundary wall of Augusta Praetoria formed a rectangle measuring 727m by 574 and was built from an interior layer of river stones and an external layer of blocks of travertine.
Sections in which it is still clearly visible: via Hotel des Monnaies, via Carducci, via Carrel (near the bus station), via Monte Solarolo, via Abbé Chanoux. In via Festaz, especially at the junction with via Vevey, you can see the open gaps in the walls for the passage of modern city streets.

Situated in via Chabloz, inside the middle school of Piazza San Francesco, to the north of the Town Hall.
The building dates back to the 1st century A.D.
Some heated rooms have been identified, while the “frigidarium” has not been located.

The site is not open to visitors.

There were two towers for each doorway, four corners plus another eight: twenty in total. Given their number, their strong protrusion towards the exterior and the emphasis given by the double series of arched windows positioned on all four sides, we must bear in mind that their function was also to act as a decorative element: in fact, the boundary wall had not been built with a merely defensive intention, but also with the desire to create a monumental boundary to the urban area. In the centuries following the fall of the Roman empire, Aosta encountered a phase of abandonment and serious decline, during the course of the Middle Ages, the inhabitants gradually returned, houses were built along the main roads and the noble people erected their homes and castles along the old walls. Many bastions were adapted as feudal residences, and some towers were raised and transformed, using the exterior facing of the walls, the majority of which was taken away.
The only towers which have partially preserved their original appearance are those of the Leper and the Pailleron , the latter restored by Alfredo D’Andrade in 1894.

The craftsmen of the Aosta valley traditionally used the term “l’Artisanà” to refer to the shop in the centre of Aosta where the products displayed during the Sant’Orso Craft Fair were taken for sale once the fair was over. Thus, the Institut Valdôtain de l’Artisanat de Tradition has decided to make this name its communication brand, combining the cultural and commercial sectors of its activity.
Today there are four Artisanà boutiques spread all over the region, providing an original showcase for a living, evolving craft industry rooted in tradition.
The boutiques de L’Artisanà offer tourists and aficionados the chance to take home an authentic piece of the Aosta Valley: objects crafted in wood, earthenware and wrought iron, as well as textiles and ceramics, testifying to the traditions of our region that stretch back thousands of years.

The boutique in Aosta

A pioneer in the exhibition and sale of traditional Valle d’Aosta craftsmanship, the Aosta boutique opened its doors on 1st January 1942. Located in the same place then, under the arcades of Piazza Chanoux on the ground floor of the Aosta town hall, the it is known to insiders and countless visitors as L’Artisanà. It is here that now as then, enthusiasts can find the best of local savoir faire.
In December 2017 the boutique was renovated to make the environment even more welcoming.

Opening times are subject to variations: we advice to verify them before the visit (see the “Contacts” area) or by clicking here

The Balivi tower (or Tour du Baillage), situated in Via Guido Rey, on the north-western corner of the Roman boundary wall, was built in the Middle Ages on the structures of the pre-existing Roman tower.
In 1263 Guglielmo De Palatio sold the tower to the Count of Savoy, who turned it into the residence of the Balivi, the city’s administrators.
In 1537 the Administrators were transferred to a more suitable building and tower was refurbished and converted into law courts.
From 1702 it became a prison, which was only abandoned in recent times.

At present the building is seat of the school music Conservatoire de la Vallée d’Aoste.