Discover Aosta: Roman heritage and archaeology

Aosta offers several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: Roman structures, archaeological traces from much earlier periods, events, and a nature reserve with glacially shaped morphology. If you are looking for a hotel in Aosta, identifying your main interest can help you get a sense of the destination. The cultural sites differ in period and perspective; crafts and tastings add specific event themes.

Roman structures and their history

The Arco di Augusto is a triumphal arch dedicated to Emperor Augustus. It stands on the road leading to the monumental Porta Praetoria, the main entrance to the Roman city. This allows you to distinguish between two aspects: the arch is dedicated to Augustus, while the Porta served as a central city gateway.

The Teatro Romano offers a different perspective on the architectural heritage: it is one of the best-preserved structures of Augusta Praetoria. Its surviving south façade is 22 metres high. For a culturally focused stay, these offer different points of interest: the Arco centres on its dedication and connection to the Porta Praetoria, while the Teatro offers surviving architecture and the scale of its south façade.

Comparing archaeological periods

The Area Megalitica dates back much further than the Roman structures. It contains remains from six historical phases between 3000 and 1100 BC. The museum tour takes visitors along walkways to the archaeological site, which lies about six metres below street level. This brings together a long sequence of periods with a tangible sense of place: the site lies below street level, and the walkways lead across it.

The MAR – Museo Archeologico Regionale offers another archaeological perspective. Its basement preserves Roman remains of the Porta Principalis Sinistra. The museum tour is arranged thematically and chronologically. The archaeological points of interest therefore differ in both period and presentation: the Area Megalitica encompasses six prehistoric phases, while the MAR presents Roman remains in a thematically and chronologically arranged tour.

Crafts and tastings

La Foire d’été takes place on the first Saturday in August and showcases local crafts. At the Fiera di Sant'Orso, visitors can sample wines and typical products. The events therefore have different focuses: La Foire d’été centres on crafts, while the Fiera di Sant'Orso offers the chance to try wine and typical products. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the event dates for your planned travel period; La Foire d’été is listed as taking place on the first Saturday in August.

A geological perspective on Aosta

The Riserva Naturale Tzatelet complements the themes of architecture and archaeology with a geological perspective: the nature reserve has glacially formed morphology. This describes how the landform was created and distinguishes this theme from the structures and archaeological sites. If you are considering landscape as well as history when choosing a destination, Aosta offers another distinct focus.

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Back to the regional travel overview: Aosta Valley.