Discover Donnas: Roman Road and Wine Tradition

Donnas offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: remnants of Roman roads, evidence of winegrowing, a historic village, as well as trails and climbing areas. If you are looking for a hotel in Donnas, you can plan your stay around whether you are most interested in archaeological traces, local traditions or outdoor activities.

Roman traces along the Via delle Gallie

A 221-metre section of the Roman Via delle Gallie was carved into the rock near Donnas and opens into a four-metre-high archway. Deep ruts left by passing carts remain in the paving. The road thus reveals both its distinctive construction and traces of its earlier use.

Beside the archway, a milestone relief carved into the rock marks the 36th mile from Augusta Praetoria. It adds a specific distance marker to the view of the road section: both the passage cut through the rock and the marker point to the route of the Via delle Gallie. Anyone interested in Roman history will find several distinct features here at a named road structure.

Historic village and buildings

The old village of Donnas features 16th-century windows, frescoes and walnut-wood inlaid portals. These elements give the village its distinctive architectural character. Notice the different types of craftsmanship: windows, wall paintings and ornately decorated portals are distinct forms of historic design.

Other historic buildings in Donnas include Palazzo Enrielli, a 17th-century building. Together with the features of the old village, it offers a second point of reference in time for anyone interested in the architectural history of the area.

Winegrowing, ecomuseums and annual festivals

The Wine and Vine Ecomuseum in Donnas displays tools that document the history and development of heroic viticulture. The Tréby Turnus Dairy Ecomuseum focuses on something different: it documents part of the history of the local community of Donnas. When planning your trip, you can therefore take both winegrowing traditions and local community history into account.

Recurring events also celebrate the area’s traditions. The Donnas Grape Festival takes place every year on the first weekend of October; the specific dates may vary from year to year. The Sant'Orso Fair takes place in the historic village on the third Sunday in January. Check the event dates before travelling if one of the festivals is part of your plans.

Trails and outdoor activities

The relatively easy Barmet Trail leads to natural shelters. In the past, various owners used them as wine cellars, tool sheds or for collecting rainwater for the vineyards. The trail thus combines a walk with a glimpse into earlier forms of vineyard management; the shelters illustrate a range of practical uses.

Donnas also has interesting rock faces for climbing. They are located both in the sunnier all’adret area above the Roman road and at Albard of Donnas, as well as in the shadier area of Outrefer. The difference between sunnier and shadier areas is a useful point of reference when planning; check the conditions on the routes locally.

The Fer stream is a pleasant place for leisurely walks. Donnas therefore offers a range of activities: a relatively easy trail with natural shelters, climbing areas in locations with different sun exposure, and walks along the stream. Which option suits your stay depends on how you want to spend your time outdoors.

Getting there and practical information

Donnas is accessible by bus on the Pont-Saint-Martin–Aosta route. Check the timetable before travelling to make sure the connection fits your plans. The Cignas woods have parking, as well as tables and benches for up to 250 people. As facilities can change, it is advisable to confirm their status before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Oyen, Quart, Morgex, Challand-Saint-Victor, La Salle, Doues, Pontboset, Challand-Saint-Anselme.

For the full travel overview: Aosta Valley.