Situated at an altitude of only 580 meters, Aosta is the capital of the autonomous region, in the hollow of the eponymous valley. Called the "Rome of the Alps" for its important historical evidence dating back to 25 BC, it boasts a rich architectural heritage, including a Roman theater and medieval quarters. Airy and pleasant, its watchword is its seasonal rhythm. Winter, for those who love to ski; spring, for the delightful calm of the pastures; summer, for the beauty of hiking; autumn, to admire the changing colors of the forests. The historic center of Aosta is almost identical to the ancient Roman city, except for the suburb of Saint-Ours, which stretches from the Praetorian Gate to the Arch of Augustus. Surrounded for most of its perimeter by the Roman ramparts, the central district has kept its Latin planimetry virtually intact: most streets, almost all paved and pedestrianized today, are parallel or perpendicular to each other and follow a north-south/east-west orientation. Despite its small size, Aosta is a very dynamic city: bars, restaurants, stores and stores abound in the tourist streets. In the evening, it is pleasant to stroll between the illuminated monuments and the lively terraces. The center's main thoroughfare (successively Rue Saint-Anselme, Rue Porte Prétorienne, Rue de Tillier and Rue Aubert), corresponds to the ancient decumanus maximus. It crossed the entire center from east (Arc d'Auguste) to west (Place de la République), passing through Porte Prétorienne, Croix de Ville and Place Emile Chanoux. The latter is the largest esplanade in the old town and houses the town hall. Other squares worthy of note are piazzetta Sant'Orso, piazza Pope John XXIII, and piazza Caveri, where you can stroll among the archaeological ruins. Most of the streets and alleys are very picturesque and represent the typical architecture of small towns in the Alps. History has left tangible signs in Aosta, founded by the Romans, as well as in the valley's castles, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, when many noble families, vassals of the Dukes of Savoy, ruled over numerous small fiefs. In 1416, the valley became a duchy, with an autonomous political government and its own laws emanating from the Assembly of the States General. The problem of autonomy from Italy was raised repeatedly. This long-standing aspiration was satisfied by the Special Statute of February 26, 1948, which granted the Aosta Valley special legislative and administrative autonomy, as well as certain economic and fiscal advantages. Today, the Aosta Valley is governed by a Regional Council with broad legislative powers and an executive consisting of a president and seven assessors. Handicrafts predominate in the region, especially woodworking, to which the Sant'Orso festival (www.fieradisantorso.it) is dedicated in Aosta at the end of January. A very lively tradition in the valley is the "battle of the queens" which takes place in October. This is a tournament where the best cattle challenge each other with their horns. This traditional battle between the most aggressive and brawling cows calls for two cows to descend into the arena and compete for the title of queen. Each queen is then paraded with her bouquet of flowers tied to her horns with coloured ribbons.

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Vestiges du théâtre romain. Marie-Isabelle CORRADI
Théâtre romain, Aoste. Florian Villesèche / Adobe Stock
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