Gran Paradiso National Park
One of the most iconic places in the Aosta Valley is the Gran Paradiso National Park, a true paradise for hiking and wilderness enthusiasts. Founded in 1922, the park covers more than 70,000 hectares and is home to an extraordinary variety of alpine flora and fauna. In addition to enjoying breathtaking scenery, you can get up close to observe ibex, chamois and golden eagles, symbols of this park. The walks are well marked, with trails suitable for both experienced hikers and families.
Medieval Castles
The Aosta Valley is famous for its ancient castles, evidence of a past rich in history and noble families.
- Castle of Fénis: Located in the town of the same name, the Castle of Fénis is an authentic jewel of medieval military architecture. Built by the Challant family in the 14th century, it is striking for its mighty exterior structure, decorated with frescoes and details that demonstrate refined artistic taste. It is one of the most visited castles in the region.
- Saint-Pierre Castle: A castle that has undergone numerous transformations and stylistic makeovers, passing from hand to hand among noble families until the 19th century, when Baron Bollati added turrets in the romantic-decadent style, making it resemble fairy-tale structures. It cannot currently be visited, but its imposing silhouette is one of the iconic images of the Aosta Valley.
- Ussel Castle: Located near Châtillon, this rectangular one-room castle is an excellent example of medieval defensive architecture. In addition to its historical beauty, it offers a splendid view of the Châtillon plain, thanks to a pedestrian path that allows visitors to reach the castle.
- Savoy Castle: This elegant royal castle is located in Gressoney Saint Jean and was the summer residence of Queen Margaret of Savoy. Its five towers and neo-Baroque decorations are reminiscent of those of the Royal Palace in Turin and the Quirinal Palace, thanks to the work of architect Emilio Stramucci.
- Fort of Bard: Located at the mouth of the valley, the Fort of Bard represents one of the most famous fortifications in the region. Its history is linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, who faced stiff resistance here in 1800. After being dismantled, today the fort hosts cultural events, exhibitions and offers spectacular views of the valley.
Megalithic Areas
For a dip into prehistory, the megalithic area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans is a must-see. This ten-thousand-square-meter archaeological site contains artifacts from six different historical periods, dating from 3000 to 1100 B.C. The trail within the area allows visitors to discover menhirs, burials, and ancient ritual structures that tell the story of the lives of the valley's ancient peoples.
Evidence of Ancient Rome
Aosta, founded by the Romans, still preserves monuments of great historical value.
- Roman Theater: Built in the first half of the first century AD, the Roman Theater is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the region. Its facade reaches 22 meters in height, and the tiers of seats arranged in a hemicycle shape were capable of seating hundreds of spectators.
- Porta Pretoria and Arch of Augustus: The Porta Pretoria, an ancient eastern entrance to the city, and the Arch of Augustus, built to commemorate the victory over the Salassians, are two other Roman symbols of Aosta that are worth a visit.
- Monumental Complex of Sant'Orso: This medieval complex includes a church, a cloister and beautiful 11th-century Ottonian frescoes. It is one of the most important sacred relics in the Aosta Valley and offers a valuable glimpse into the region's religious past.
- Via delle Gallie: This ancient Roman road connected the Aosta Valley with the regions beyond the Alps, an important artery for trade. One of the most distinctive sights is the arch of Donnas, carved into the rock, which makes the entire route an evocative way to discover the Aosta Valley from a historical perspective.
Climate and Best Time to Visit the Aosta Valley.
The Aosta Valley is fascinating in every season, although the best times depend on the activities you want to do.
- Winter: From November to March, the region is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding and skating are just some of the activities available, and the snowy landscape makes everything more magical. There is also no shortage of spas, ideal for a moment of relaxation after a day outdoors.
- Summer: From June to September, the Aosta Valley is perfect for trekking and hiking. Temperatures are mild, although the weather can get muggy in the valleys. For those who prefer a cooler vacation, villages on mountain slopes offer pleasant temperatures and spectacular views.
Book your mountain vacation now
Visiting the Aosta Valley means immersing yourself in a world rich in natural beauty, history and tradition. Imagine waking up surrounded by castles, mountain trails and breathtaking landscapes: every corner of this region has a story to tell and an emotion to experience. Don't miss the opportunity, book one of our apartments in Aosta Valley now and treat yourself to a stay that will remain in your heart!
