About Valle d’Aosta
Valle d’Aosta, a region in northwestern Italy, contains the watershed of the river Dora Baltea, from its source near Mont Blanc to the top of Ivrea. The area is surrounded by the north, west and south of the Alps. Originally the territory of the Salassi, a Celtic tribe, the Romans occupied the valley; Aosta, the capital, was founded in 24 BC. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, the Aosta Valley became part of the Burgundian and Frankish kingdoms, passing through many hands until it was acquired in the 11th century by the House of Savoy ( the future royal family from Italy).
The province of Aosta was formed from part of the province of Turin in 1927, and the autonomous region of Valle d’Aosta was created in 1945 to support the French language and culture of the region. . At that time, the southern part was returned to the province of Turin. The highway runs from Po Valley to Greater and Little St. The Bernard Passes cross the area, are important for dairy and tourism and have hot water facilities. There are some companies in the area. Nationalist groups supporting the increase of French in the region gained political power in the elections in the 1970s. Area 1,259 square miles (3,262 sq km). Pop. (2006 first) 123,978.
History of Aosta Italy
The first inhabitants of the Valle d’Aosta were the Celts and the Ligurians, whose linguistic heritage is still present in the names of some regions. Rome conquered the region from the Salassi region around 25 BC. AD he established Augusta Prætoria Salassorum (now Aosta) to protect the various mountain passes, and later built bridges and roads across the mountains. Therefore, the name Vallée d’Aoste literally means “Valley of Augustus”.
In 1031-1032, Umberto I of Savoy, the founder of the House of Savoy, received the title of Count of Aosta from Emperor Conrad II of the Franconian line and built himself a stronghold in Bard. Saint Anselm of Canterbury was born in Aosta in 1033 or 1034. The region was divided between large fortresses, and in 1191 Thomas I of Savoy found it necessary to grant the people the Charter of Franchises (“Charter of Liberties “) of freedom.
preserved, the rights were strongly defended until 1770, when they were canceled to include Aosta and Piedmont, but this was claimed again in the post-Napoleonic period. In the middle of the 13th century, Emperor Frederick II made the province of Aosta a duchy (see Duke of Aosta), and its rampant lion arms remained in Savoy until the unification of Italy in 1870.
The region remained part of the Savoyard lands, except for French occupation from 1539 to 1563, then in 1691, then between 1704 and 1706. It was also the first French Empire to rule between 1800 and 1814. During French rule, it was part of the province of Aosta and the department of Dora. [14] As part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, it joined the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Best things to do in Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Aosta has an ancient history that you can reflect on by admiring the Romans and the medieval and historical center. The history of Aosta is linked to that of Rome through the name: Augusta Praetoria, which was founded after the victory of the Romans against the Salassi in 25 BC. The liberation of the province was necessary to focus on the population of the region and to strengthen his rule over the fertile Po Valley in northern Italy. The Romans left many heritage monuments in Aosta: Arch of Augustus, Porta Praetoria, Roman Monumental Theater, Amphitheater, Bridge and many other preserved places. There are also old churches and monasteries, fortresses and castles in the surrounding area. Archeology and great wealth make Aosta a beautiful city of art.
In fact, in a collective sense, Aosta is associated with snow and skiing and one cannot talk about Aosta without mentioning its mountains. The mountain is really the center of life in Aosta: a tourist attraction that attracts people from all over the world, summer and winter. Looking at the Alps, one immediately recognizes the shape of the two mountains that represent Aosta: Becca di Nona, with its pyramidal shape, and, a little further, Monte Emilius. This makes Aosta a destination for all seasons.
Arch of Augustus (Aosta)
The remains of the Roman city can still be seen throughout Aosta. The Roman Augusta Praetoria route can be started from the Arch of Augustus which is located on the side of the road that leads to the entrance of the city through the Porta Praetoria.
This place dedicated to Emperor Augustus was built in 25 BC. AD to celebrate the victory against the Salassi and the foundation of the new Roman Empire. However, the most remarkable thing is the slate on the roof which is unusual compared to the ancient Roman conquest. In fact, the addition of the roof was not determined until the year 1700 when the structure was in danger of collapsing due to the hot water.
Rome Theater (Aosta)
A few meters from the Porta Praetoria is a beautiful Roman theater, with a facade 22 meters high that directly reflects the skill of Roman architects. The 45-meter proscenium and wide steps can accommodate up to 4,000 spectators. According to experts, it must have a cover that allows viewers to have fun even in bad weather.
Today it hosts cultural events. The remains of the amphitheater are placed in the convent of Santa Caterina. You can still visit the cemetery of Porta Decumana, which was used as a burial place until the High Middle Ages and the Roman bridge over the ancient stream Buthier (during the Middle Ages, the stream changed position): it is well stored and used for travel.
