Hotels Aosta, Guesthouses Aosta and Residences Aosta

Aosta, the capital of the autonomous region of Valle d'Aosta, is an appreciated holiday destination which attracts the lovers of mountain landscapes and fascinating old towns both in summer and in winter. Situated just in the heart of an attractive Alpine valley, it is headed by dramatic peaks and some of the highest mountains in Italy and Europe, such as Mont Blanc, Cervino, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, and surrounded by Becca di Nona and Mount Emilius. South of the city is the National Park of Gran Paradiso, an unspoilt tract of breathtaking scenery populated by marmots, chamois, stoats and ibexes, the latter being the symbol of the park.

The city centre gathers clusters of Roman and medieval monuments and buildings, as well as traditional workshops manufacturing wooden items and handmade laces. Comfortable 3-star guesthouses and luxury 4-star hotels are situated both inside and outside the Roman walls, which were erected in the I century BC and still retain their original splendour. Intimate bed and breakfasts, comfortable guesthouses and budget hotels are situated just in the heart of the old town; they are easily accessible by car and are situated a short distance from the main Italian and French mountain passes.

The tour across Aosta's old town could start from the visit of the triumphal arch, which was commissioned by Emperor Augustus in the I century BC, when the town was called Augusta Praetoria, together with impressive city walls and the bridge crossing the river Buthier, which is situated 100 metres far from the Arch of Augustus. Equally well preserved are the town's Roman Theatre and the elliptical Amphitheatre, whose outstanding remains are cherished by the Convent of St. Caterina. A short distance from it are Tour Fromage, which was built along the impressive city walls and is now the venue for interesting art exhibitions, and the Collegiate Church of St. Orso, the city's most important medieval complex. Dominated by an impressive XII-century bell tower, it was realized in the X century and subsequently renovated in the XV century. It has an unusual Gothic facade with a thin, tall portal, outstanding mosaics dating back to the early Middle Ages and a beautiful Romanesque cloister with columns and capitals carved into highly detailed figures and animals.
Heading to the centre of the old town, tourists will have the opportunity to reach the Romanesque Cathedral, which was first built in the XI century, but has been altered many times since. The interior is Gothic, with finely carved XV-century choir stalls, and floor mosaics dating back to the XII century. Next door, the Museum of the Treasure of the Cathedral contains a rich collection of statuettes and reliquaries, and a number of impressive medieval tombs.
The best moments to visit Aosta are during the Millenary Fair of St. Orso, which takes place on January 30 and 31 and gives visitors the possibility to buy charming local handicrafts, and the musical evenings which are organized just in the heart of the city centre in July and August.