Sightseeing in Valle d Aosta - what to see. A complete guide to iconic places. Valle d'Aosta on the map of Italy. Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Valle d'Aosta is the smallest region of Italy, located in the northeast of the country, on the border with France, with which it is connected by a tunnel under Mont Blanc and the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass, and Switzerland, into which the tunnel under the Gran San Bernardo leads.

In contact with

The territory of the region is completely covered with mountains and is surrounded by the highest peaks of Italy and Europe: Mont Blanc (4810 m), Matterhorn (4478 m), Monte Rosa (4637 m) and Gran Paradiso (4061 m). Humans live mainly along the valleys formed by mountain rivers and glaciers. Due to global warming, glaciers in our time have survived only on the highest peaks.

Mount Monte Rosa / Shutterstock.com

The main border passes are called Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo and Colle del Gran San Bernardo. A through tunnel was dug under the latter.

In the south of Aosta is the Gran Paradiso National Park, founded in 1922 to protect rare alpine animals and plants (mouflons, sulfurs, marmots and ermines live here), as well as Natural Park mountains of Mont Avic.

Since the area is mountainous, the average temperature depends on the height above sea level. In the highlands, the climate is harsh, summers are short, and winters are long and cold; In the valleys, a typical continental climate is observed: in winter the temperature drops below 0, and in summer it can exceed 30 ° C, which, due to the lack of wind, leads to stuffiness. Precipitation falls in the form of snow all year round wherever the altitude exceeds 2400 m above sea level.

Night Aosta / Shutterstock.com

Tourism

The smallest region in Italy, surrounded by the highest mountains, offers its guests a huge wealth of choice. Virgin nature, traditional architecture, sports, culture, health tourism, haute cuisine: these are the ingredients that made Aosta a resort destination already in ancient Roman times.
For skiing, you can go to famous resorts, or you can stay in smaller towns, where much less people. In addition to downhill skiing, here you can go cross-country skiing, freeride, heliskiing, snowkiting, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

A single ski pass Valle d'Aosta (www.skivallee.it) allows you to use any ski lifts in the region, and even those that are outside of it (the resort of Alagna Valsesia in Piedmont and La Rosiere in French Savoie).

Castle of Baron Camba in Châtillon / Shutterstock.com

Aosta also has significant cultural heritage. From the era of Ancient Rome, the Gallic road remained, passing along the lower reaches of the Aosta Valley and bifurcating in the direction of the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass (France) and the Gran San Bernardo Pass (Switzerland). The system of roads and trails forms what was once the second most popular pilgrimage route in Europe, the road of the Franks. On it they moved from central Europe to Rome and back. Many churches, temples, chapels and crosses were built along it.
The special pride of Aosta is the Valdostan castles, a legacy of the feudal period. There are over a hundred of them! They rise at key heights, occupying a strategic position on the ground. Often they were built on the site of former Roman fortifications.

Wine and food

Friendship Cup / Shutterstock.com

Valle d'Aosta is a region known not only for the beauty and richness of its artistic and cultural heritage, but also for its enogastronomic achievements: traditional products widely known not only among the local population, recognizing their status as a symbol of their identity, but also among tourists who come to this region every year for vacation. These delicacies express the close cultural connection that unites people with their land. They have all the best that this land gives to the Valdostans, and all the wisdom and skill with which they cultivate it from time immemorial.
There are really a lot of traditional products in the region. Let's talk about some of them that you should definitely try if you want to get to know the spirit of this enchanting northern Italian region, enjoy its aromas and tastes.
Cheeses. Fresh and aged cheeses of Valle d'Aosta are appreciated by many experts and are known in international level. First of all, we are talking about Fontina cheese, which has been made here since the 15th century, and Formazo, a product with a protected designation of origin (DOP).
Meat delicacies. The famous Jambon de Bosses DOP ham, an integral part of the Valdostan meat plate, is produced at an altitude of 1600 m, in the homonymous village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, in the Valle del Gran San Bernardo valley. Salo Lardo d'Arnad DOP is a complex alchemy of water, salt, fragrant herbs and spices that are added to the product. It tastes good and is reminiscent of those herbs that go into brine: each slice is white, there may be a small layer of meat, and the core is slightly pinkish. It is stored in special containers made of chestnut, oak or larch. The first inventory of Arnad Castle in 1763 contains a record of four such containers stored in the kitchen. Let's not forget the prosciutto Saint-Oyen: this ham is made from the leg of a pig grown in Italy (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Valle d'Aosta), flavored, roasted in an oven, and then lightly roasted over coals. Or about La Motsetta - dried meat from cow, sheep or goat muscles; in the old days it was made so that the meat was stored longer, and it was enough for the whole family for the winter. Salt, garlic, juniper branches and fragrant herbs are added to it; and keep it from a month to a year. Serve sliced ​​into thin slices with rye bread or croutons.
Honey. Local residents have been producing it for a long time using ancient technologies, keeping its organoleptic properties unchanged.

Fruits. The region's sun-drenched fruit orchards grow mountain apples and pears with rich flavors and juicy flesh.

Black bread ("Panner"). It has been made in Valle d'Aosta for a long time, so it has recently received the status of a traditional agricultural product.

Genepie liqueur has an ancient history, pleasant taste, digestive and balsamic properties.

Guilt. The Alps protect Valle d'Aosta from the north from cold winds, and from the west from wet ones, so the climate of the region is perfect for viticulture. Numerous testimonies confirm that this art was practiced here in the era ancient rome. Over the centuries of the region's history, the industry has experienced both good times and serious crises - for example, during the period of barbarian invasions.
After the Second World War, having received the status of an autonomous region, Valle d'Aosta managed to attract significant financial resources for the development of this area, which now lives extremely dynamically: local wines receive important awards, both Italian and international.
The main wines produced in the region are Blanc de Morgex et La Salle DOC from Prié Blanc grapes, Enfer d'Arvier DOC from Petit Rouge grapes and Chambave Muscat DOC from White Muscat grapes.

Grappa. If we talk about quality, then Valdostana grappa is definitely not worse than local wine, but in terms of production, grappa, of course, is inferior. This drink is a true friend of the mountain dwellers, an ideal digestif after rich meals made up of local specialties. The importance of this production for local traditions and special regional regulations even allow - within certain limits, of course - the distillation of grape pomace for family consumption. Distillation apparatuses and other necessary tools begin to work late autumn(November and December) when local families, having gathered relatives and friends, begin this ritual of producing a transparent nectar with a delicate aroma and a dry taste. In addition to family production, there is, of course, industrial production; it allowed to expand the range of products, although it is still based on traditional technologies that give the drink a unique taste and naturalness.

How to get there

By plane
The nearest airport to Valle d'Aosta is in Turin. You can also use the airport of Milan, Bergamo and Geneva.
The main cities of Aosta can be reached from these airports by bus.

By car
The A5 motorway leads from Turin to Pont Saint Martin, the eastern gateway to the region. The distance is only 55 km. The distance to the capital of the region, Aosta, is already 98 km, and to Courmayeur - 136 km.
If you drive from Milan (164 km), then, moving along the A4 motorway, you need to turn onto Aosta at the interchange in Santia. To get to Aosta from Geneva, you need to drive 226 km.
You can also get to Aosta through France or Switzerland, through the tunnels of Mont Blanc and Gran San Bernardo along highways No. 26 and No. 27, respectively. In summer (June-October) you can also drive through the Piccolo and Gran San Bernardo passes.

By train
Going to Valle d'Aosta by train is a great alternative to traveling by car, as it avoids the traffic jams and fogs that are common here during the winter months, and also contributes to the fight against pollution environment. Aosta train station is located near the lower station of the funicular, which lifts to the ski resort of Pila. Railway connects Aosta with Turin (porta Nuova and Porta Susa), trains run quite often.
On average, the journey from Turin takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a change in Chivasso (or Ivrea). Intermediate stations (Pont-Saint-Martin, Verrès and Châtillon/Saint-Vincent) are connected to the transverse valleys by buses, the schedule of which is tied to the arrival and departure of trains.

From Aosta, you can drive to the picturesque Pre-Saint-Didier train station at the foot of Mont Blanc. This is the end station. The journey from Milan will take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with a change in Chivasso.

Official tourism website of the Valle d'Aosta region: www.lovevda.it

Italy's smallest region is located in the northwest of Italy. Valle d'Aosta(or Val d'Aosta; Italian Valle d'Aosta). In the west, the region borders with France, in the north - with Switzerland, in the south and east - with the Italian region of Piedmont. In the tiny Valle d'Aosta, the highest mountain peaks of Europe are concentrated - Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), Gran Paradiso, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, so the region is wonderful place recreation for lovers of heights and lovers of active mountain recreation.

Geography

Valle d "Aosta - an area located in the northwest. Here they immediately attract attention magnificent scenery: rising mountains, sparkling glaciers, snow-white hills. It has the highest mountain Western Europe- Mont Blanc. From different sides, the region is surrounded by mountain ranges and Monte Cervino.

Valle d'Aosta is rich in glaciers (the most famous is the Horner Glacier, its length is 14 kilometers), as well as mountain passes. The most famous of them are Small and Great Saint Bernard. Although the area is heavily rugged, it is penetrated by a developed network of railways and roads.

Story

According to scientists, the Celts (IX-VIII centuries BC) were among the first to settle here. Later, the Romans settled here, who already then understood the significance of this place. It is they who are here in 25 BC. built the city of Augusta. Later the name "Augusta" was transformed into "Aosta". In the Middle Ages, the region was influenced by the Byzantines, Visigoths, Franks and Lombards. The first representative of the Savoy dynasty appeared here in 1031, when Umberto Biancamano received the title of Count of Aosta from the Holy Roman Emperor. During the Napoleonic period, the region was annexed by France along with. In 1948, Valle d'Aosta received the status of an autonomous region of the Italian Republic. This is perfectly reflected in the character of the locals, full of the spirit of independence. They speak Italian and French, as well as a special dialect - Patois.

culture

The Valdostan castles are direct evidence of the vibrant and eventful feudal history of the region. Medieval castles were often built on the foundations of ancient fortresses. The military bastions and residences of the nobles will complete the picture - in addition to satisfying cultural interest, they will allow you to soak up the mysterious atmosphere. For example, the fortress of Bard is today a new cultural pole of the Western Alps. In May 1800, he was a formidable obstacle in the path of Napoleon Bonaparte. Now, after a long restoration, the Museum of the Alps is open here, and exhibitions of modern art are regularly held.

Region heritage. Photo lovevda.it

Holidays

June 24 on the eve of the feast of St. Giovanni, bonfires open summer season. There was a belief that it was on the night of June 24-25 that the sun (fire) binds itself in marriage to the moon (water). Bonfires that burn on the night of St. Giovanni in the fields and on the slopes of the mountains are considered a positive sign.

Every year, from mid-July to the end of August, tastings of local dishes take place in the streets of Lilla, Saint-Nicolas, Etrouble, Creta and Ville (Arna), and artisans present their products.

Among the traditional events, one should definitely note the “Battle of the Queens”. These are bloodless fights between two cows. The animals are in the arena until one of them retreats. Historians believe that the first such tournament took place in 1859 in Vetozan. This is now an annual championship, in which there are about 20 knockout rounds. The final traditionally takes place on the third Sunday of October at the Croix Noir in Aosta. What does the winner get? Glory, applause, a colored plume, a bell on a richly trimmed collar.

Neighborhood with Switzerland and France has largely shaped the culinary habits of local residents. Fondue is eaten with contentment here, and pasta is prepared much less frequently than in other regions of Italy. The cuisine is based on products of its own production, which has historically developed due to geographical isolation in the form of valleys and mountain peaks. Among the typical foodstuffs, it is worth noting the raw-smoked jambon de Bosse ham, fontino and fromageo cheeses. Traditional sweets include tegole (almond biscuits), torcetti (cakes) and chocolate blanmage.

Fondue. Photo blogerov.net

Education

Returning to the issue of bilingualism. IN kindergarten And primary school a number of subjects are usually taught in both Italian and French. At secondary school, students take a written exam in French. A regional university has been opened in Valle d'Aosta. Among the faculties are psychology, linguistics and communication of the territory, enterprises and tourism, political sciences and international relations, economic sciences.

Economy

Valle d'Aosta produces, according to the latest data, 0.3% of Italy's GDP. Tourism can be considered one of the important sectors of the economy. local resorts quite famous and considered prestigious. The production of hydropower, ferrous metallurgy, construction, natural sources energy should be noted turbulent mountain rivers.

Transport

Valle d'Aosta has a well-developed daily bus network. Thus, the side valleys are connected with the main ones: Aosta -, Aosta - Monjove and Monjove - Pont-Saint-Martin. The city of Aosta and neighboring communes are connected by bus service, flights from the surrounding area to the city depart approximately every half an hour. Railroad station(Stazione di Aosta - Gare dAoste) is located in Piazza Manzetti, not far from historical center. Competently built railway communication allows you to get to Turin in 2 hours. Aside, you can reach the town of Pre-Saint-Didier (3 km from Courmayeur). The trip will be 50 minutes.

Demography

This small region is home to 0.2% of the population of Italy - 121 thousand inhabitants. Administrative center the city of Aosta has about 40,000 inhabitants. As of December 31, 2010, there were 8,712 foreigners living in the region, of which 2,311 were from Morocco and 2,034 from Romania.

Tourism

Aosta

It is one of the largest cities in the region. Here is amazing medieval castles scattered over mountain slopes. In total, you can count about 70 castles. True, some of them have already been practically destroyed, but many have been preserved quite well. One of the most picturesque castles that has survived to this day is Phoenix. Its multitude of square and cylindrical signal towers impress everyone. Ancient walls and frescoes of the 15th century are preserved here. No less famous are the castles of Saint-Pierre, Ussel-Châtillon, Fenil, Savoy-Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Chatlard. Issony Castle is elegant, introducing visitors to a unique collection of antique furniture. And in the castle of Verre you can see impressive collection watercolors, drawings and prints of the 19th century, and even the royal hunting house.

Aosta. Photoflickr.com

Cervinia

One of the most beloved resorts in Valle d'Aosta is called. Although it is a small town, you can have a great rest here, enjoy skiing and snowboarding. There are about 50 restaurants in the city that offer gourmet Italian cuisine. Nightclubs and There are plenty of opportunities to go skiing and alpine skiing for supporters of a healthy lifestyle.Because the ski area here is almost the highest in Europe, it feels like you are being carried right into the sky on the ski lifts.

The best time for skiing here is December, as well as February-March. You can ride on high mountain plateaus all year round: because of their height, there is always snow here. The resort is designed for skiers with an average level of training. Carefully thought out and well-prepared trails allow you to enjoy a leisurely descent along picturesque slopes, and sliding along difficult routes, attracting long downhill. Even if you stay in Cervinia for a long time, you will not get bored, because the routes are organized quite ingeniously.

Professionals will appreciate the difficult track called Bardoney. Intermediate skiers will definitely choose the Laghi-Cime-Bianche area and the Bontadini slope. You can try your hand at Gran Pista. For beginners, there are many pistes in Plan Maisons.

Leisure. Photoflickr.com

Courmayeur

The most fashionable resort located near Mont Blanc. This is one of the most fashionable Alpine resorts. Great hotels, trendy shops, chic restaurants, social evenings and plenty of activities for non-skiers will make your stay unforgettable. A good skier can master the slopes in Courmayeur in a couple of days. The main skiing here is intended for skiers with an average level of training, and for beginners. The main ski area here is called Shekruit. For lovers of skiing, the Internazionale track will be interesting. Beginners can opt for Chetif, Prato or Pra-Neuron.

The ski sector of Val Veny is more difficult, as there are black runs and freeride slopes. The slopes of Competitione and Diretta stand out in particular. A separate topic can be called off-piste skiing. So, from the top of the Cross d'Arp, prepared trails do not go down, only off-piste routes. The longest such off-piste routes usually end in gentle slopes that have to be overcome on foot.

Courmayeur offers many bars, restaurants, discos, tasting rooms, pubs. It is considered a great success if there is a free table in them, it is better to reserve in advance, because they are always crowded. The most popular restaurants are La Piazzetta, American Bar, as well as bars Cadran Solaire, Roma Bar, Delle Guide and some others. Not far from Courmayeur there is a sports center called the Forum Sport Center. For amateurs there is a climbing wall, two tennis courts, an ice rink, golf, curling.

Fashionistas will appreciate the shops of Courmayeur. Here you can buy clothes of many famous Italian designers. Shops are located mainly on the main street Via Roma. There is no car traffic on it, so even a simple walk along it will undoubtedly please you.

Breathtaking mountains. Photoflickr.com

Celebrities

The region is adequately represented by athletes. , defender of Juventus and the Italian youth team Paolo De Ceglie was born in 1986 in Aosta.

Parents of an Italian skier, medalists Olympic Games, world champion Arianna Follis (born 1977) is from Gresoney-Saint-Jean.

Rene-Laurent Willermoz is an Italian biathlete. He was born in 1977 in Aosta.
French cyclist Maurice-Francois Garin (1871-1957), the first winner of the Tour de France stage race, was also born in this small area.

Olympic champion, world champion, winner of the World Cup - all this is about the Italian skier Marco Albarello, who was born in 1960 in Aosta.

VALLEY - D'AOSTA

Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta- the smallest region of Italy - is also a province of Italy. Valle D'Aosta is located in the northwest of the country. It borders France (to the west), Switzerland (to the north), and the Piedmont region (to the south and east). The area comes close to the spurs of the highest mountains in Europe - Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn. Therefore, Valle d'Aosta is widely known as a major center winter views sports. Athletes and amateurs have at their disposal almost 1200 kilometers equipped in accordance with the highest and most modern standards. ski slopes at an altitude of up to 3900 meters. Currently, there is an international subscription that allows you to almost simultaneously ride in the resorts of three countries: Italy, Switzerland and France. In addition to the classic slopes, the highest mountain peaks create excellent opportunities for ski mountaineering (from each station you can get to routes of different difficulty levels) and climbing glaciers. Hot air balloon flights are organized.
There are more than five hundred magnificent hotels, villas, chalets with excellent service in the region. The culinary glory of Valle d'Aosta has been brought by numerous first-class restaurants. Fontina cheese has been made here from the milk of spotted cows since the 13th century. Here are the highest mountain vineyards in Europe.
But Valle D'Aosta doesn't seem cut off from the world. Modern motorways with well-established bus service connect the region with the airports of Turin, Geneva and Milan. A new tunnel has been laid under Mont Blanc. Local flights arrive at Aosta Airport.

Short story
Valle d'Aosta traces its history back to the warlike tribe of the Salassi, defeated by the Romans in order to control the passage to Gaul. The Romans establish the province of the Gray Alps, and on the site of the destroyed capital of the Salassians they build the fortress city of Augusta Pretoria Salassorum, named after the emperor Augustus (Modern Aosta), they also build roads and bridges. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Burgundians, Ostrogoths, Byzantines and Lombards became the owners of these places, and in the 6th century, the Franks. After the collapse of the Frankish Empire, Valle d'Aosta became part of Lorraine (844), Provence (879), Burgundy (904), Savoy - a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire (since 1032). In X-XI, majestic impregnable castles were erected in the foothills of the Alps. At the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, Valle d'Aosta received its own General Audience and States General. The French repeatedly captured the region - during the Italian Wars (XVI century), the war on the side of the Augsburg League (1688 - 1697), the War of the Spanish Succession (1701 - 1714), Napoleon's First Italian Campaign (the region was liberated by Suvorov's army), Napoleon's Second Italian Campaign (famous passage through the St. Bernard Pass). Since 1861, Valle d'Aosta has been part of Italy united under the rule of the Savoy dynasty. During World War II, anti-fascist partisans were active in the region. In 1945, the region receives autonomy. Native language the indigenous population - Franco-Provencals - Arpitan (Franco-Provencal). French has an official status. Several communes are inhabited by Allemans who speak the Highland Alemannic dialect of the Allemannic language close to German. The majority of the population professes Catholicism.

Aosta- the capital of the autonomous region on the left bank of the river Dora-Baltea is known for its narrow streets and harsh gloomy buildings.

Survived from the Roman period
Triumphal Arch Augusta in Aosta Eastern fortress gate in Aosta Theater in Aosta;
Arsenal and 3 small temples;
Remains of city walls with towers;
Remains of an amphitheater (or basilica);
Bridge in Aosta.

Later built
Town Hall in Aosta;
Cathedral in Aosta (VI century);
Church of Ursus of Aosta.

Courmayeur, located at the foot of the highest point of the Alps - Mont Blanc, became known in the XVIII century. During these times, representatives of the most noble European families began to come here for thermal waters. Not far from Courmayeur is the highest botanical garden in Europe. Thanks to its proximity to the highest mountains in Europe, the resort has become a famous center for winter sports, a place of pilgrimage for tourists, climbers, skiers and snowboarders. Total length ski slopes- more than 100 km, trails for cross-country skiing - 25 km.

Cervinia(Breuil), located at an altitude of 2006 meters above sea level at the foot of the Matterhorn (Monte Cervino, Mont Cervin), a famous mountain climatic and ski resort. Alpine skiing area with the Swiss Zermatt. 56 pistes 200 km long (in the Italian part), 24 lifts. Most long route- 22.5 km - Klein Matterhorn (Switzerland) - Valtournenche (Italy).

La Thuile, A frontier resort known for its excellent pistes (connecting to the slopes of the La Rosier resort), and amazing landscapes (the mountains and glaciers of Testa del Rutor, Mont Blanc). 77 pistes 155 kilometers long (including neighboring La Rosier, a single ski pass), 30 red pistes, 30 blue pistes, the rest black, including the new Maison Blanche pistes, 300 snow cannons, 30 lifts, freeride and heli-ski slopes , free ski basses.

Saw- the resort village is known as an ideal place for beginners and intermediate skiers, families with children. The oldest national park in Italy, Gran Paradiso, is the habitat of the rarest mountain goat.

Monte Rosa known as a place where comfort and tranquility reign. The local population - the ancient Germanic people of the Walser and now speak the language of their ancestors. The resort is located in three valleys on the spurs mountain range Monte Rosa (3 ski areas): Val de Ayas (up to 3550 meters, only 70 kilometers, 16 ski lifts Champoluc and Crest Plateau) - ideal for beginners; Gressoney (up to 2861 meters, only 50 kilometers, 12 lifts, the towns of Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Gressoney-la-Trinite and Stafall) is suitable for both beginners and more confident athletes; and Alanya-Valsesia (up to 3550 meters, only 23 kilometers, the longest track is 9 kilometers, the famous Balma V5 track, 9 lifts) is interesting for advanced skiers. Virgin fields, excellent opportunities for off-piste skiing. Cross-country ski run along the Sesia river. Snowboard, two snowparks for snowboarders, 2 ski schools, a children's ski school, a sports center with a swimming pool, an outdoor skating rink, top-class hotels, restaurants, bars, discos.

Saint Pierre. Saint Peter's Castle is one of ancient castles area, known since 1191 - named after the first owners - the de Sancto Petro family, from which the two oldest towers have been preserved. Having undergone a series of rebuildings and renovations, the castle acquired its current appearance under the owner Emmanuele Bollati, under the guidance of the famous architect Camillo Boggio. The castle is surprisingly beautiful at night, in the rays of a bizarre illumination, reminiscent of a luxurious palace.

Phoenix Castle, known as one of the best examples of medieval fortification architecture, the formidable castle at the foot of Mount Saint Julien has been mentioned since the beginning of the 13th century as the family estate of the Viscounts of Aosta. Currently, on the territory of the castle is the Furniture Museum, which exhibits home furnishings from various eras and delightful frescoes of the 15th century.

Verres Castle built in 1390 by the feudal lord Ibleto di Challanne on a rocky cape on the banks of the Dora River. Majestic and austere looks like a massive cube with double lancet windows on the ground floor, surrounded by walls with loopholes and towers in which cannons are placed. Above the entrances to the bastions there are another doors that lead to different floors. Probably connected by a wooden staircase, they served as emergency exits. There is a prison under the guards building, and stables are located in the park. The main attribute of the Verres carnival traditionally held in the castle is a dance, which, according to legend, Catherine de Challant danced with commoners to earn their favor and win a dispute over the ownership of the castle from her cousin. The castle has an extensive collection of drawings, watercolors and prints of the 19th century.

Pre-Saint-Didier. The outdoor hot pools at the foot of Mont Blanc are a delightful experience. The thermal water of Pre-Saint-Didier with a temperature of +37 degrees C, which contains silicon, arsenic acids, iron oxide and calcium carbonate, has been known since antiquity. It softens the skin, facilitates blood circulation and improves muscle movement.

Saint Vincent, captivates with sprawling maples, plane trees and chestnuts, cherry and pear orchards, because the city is perfectly warmed up by the sun. Although you can see the remains of Roman buildings and a 12th-century Romanesque church, the city became truly famous after the discovery in 1770 by the abbe Jean Baptiste Père. thermal spring rich in soda, sulfates and chlorides. The waters of Saint-Vincent strengthen blood vessels, stimulate the vegetative-nervous, mucous and secretory systems, and have an antiseptic effect. The casino, expanded after the war, is one of the largest in Europe Since 2005, the baths and the village are connected by a funicular. Mountaineering, trekking, rafting, parachuting are developed in the resort; excellent opportunities for playing football, basketball, tennis; indoor and outdoor pools.

Bar Fortress built in 1830-1838 on a high rock near a narrow gorge by Charles Albert of Savoy on the ruins of a 10th century castle. In the 19th century, a military prison was located in the fortress. Now the castle houses the Alpine Museum, with an interesting collection of paintings and wooden sculptures. The narrow streets of one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy are full of restaurants and cafes serving traditional dishes of the region.

The Valle d'Aosta region is authentic the roof of Europe: his average height above sea level is 2.100 m. It is at the same time a region Autonomous region and province. The smallest region in Italy has become the largest source of glacial water and the country's strategic water resource.

Valle d'Aosta borders France and Switzerland, French is recognized as the second official language of the province. The Italianization of the region began during the time of Mussolini: it was one of the many grandiose projects of the Duce. Coal mining in this region and the development of metallurgy caused migration from other regions of Italy.

Aosta is also called C northern Rome. Once this Roman province was called Augusta Prætoria Salassorum (25 BC), and in terms of the number of archaeological sites of antiquity, Aosta ranks third after Rome and Pompeii.

The most high peak in the Alps - Mont Blanc (4.810 m) is located in this area and is divided into French and Italian sides. There are about 200 glaciers in the region, total area- 120 sq. km, and the average annual volume of melt water is 5 million cubic meters.

Aosta is the center of Alpine tourism. The winter season starts on October 29th and lasts until May 6th. 160 sites await fans of winter tourism cable cars, 726 km of slopes of varying difficulty, 400 km of deep ski slopes, structures for acrobatic surfing. 1200 teachers are ready to help beginners, and in addition to traditional skiing, all modern skiing techniques are presented. Rock climbers have long chosen Aosta, and for the sake of completeness, we add that you can ski here even in summer.

Castles of Aosta

Valle d'Aosta offers tourists and history buffs perfect works of medieval architecture and painting in castles.

Fortress Bard- the most impressive fortification of antiquity in the region. It was built in 1838 on a rocky ledge dividing the valley into two parts. The fortress is a project of the military engineer Francesco Antonio Olivero. According to the plan, she could withstand a three-month siege, thanks to food supplies and drinking water. Her 50 cannons could bombard the valley and slopes from all sides and from different levels at the same time.

The fortress could accommodate more than 800 soldiers. Fortunately, no one has ever attacked the fortress, thanks to which it has remained untouched to this day. The figures will tell about the grandiose size of the building: 283 rooms, 806 gardens, 2030 sq.m. courtyards, 9000 sq. m. roofs, 1295 sq. m. of corridors, 323 windows and 385 doors.

The province has castles that represent a complete picture of the civil and military architecture of different eras, starting with the imposing thousand-year-old towers and the first castles of the 11th-12th centuries, continuing with the fortified settlements of the 14th-15th centuries, and ending with the imposing bastions of noble families of the 16th century. We list the most popular: Fenis (Fénis), Issonier (Issogne), Verre (Verrès), Ussel (Ussel, or Chatillon), Sarriod de la Tour (Saint-Pierre), Sarre (Sarre) and Castel Savoie (Castel Savoia di Gressoney).

Tourists are offered a wide variety of excursions, starting from the lakes of the region, the valleys of Clavalite and Valsavarenque, continuing with naturalistic trips "in search of dinosaurs" and "mountain goats", and ending with enogastronomy in the Aosta Enoteca on Corso Padre Lorenzo.

The most famous wines Valle d'Aosta region:

Chambave muscat fletri Passito 2007(white muscat), Chardonnay cuvee bois 2007(white, golden), Chardonnay elevé en fût de chêne 2008, Fumin Esprit Follet 2007, Pinot gris 2008.

Cheese Fontina has become the pride of the region and is one of the most preferred brands in Italy.

How to get to Aosta?

By plane: Milan, Turin and Geneva airports. From Milan (Malpensa) there is a train from Gallarate with a change in Rho. You can take a pullman (bus) from terminals 1 and 2 to Gallarate.

By train: from Turin (train stations Torino Porta Nuova and Torino Porta Susa), with an hourly interval, travel time - 120 minutes.

University of Valle d'Aosta : Strada Cappuccini, 2A - 11100 AOSTA

Tel: 0165-306711 | Fax: 0165-306749

Valle d'Aosta borders Switzerland, France and Piedmont.
The region has offline status and two official languages- Italian and French, while the native language is Franco-Provençal.
Aosta is the capital of the region and the only Big City.

Valle d "Aosta became the first Italian region, which extends a total ban on genetically modified organisms in the production of agricultural products and food products.

The region is famous for its white wines, nervous and fruity, they speak of the cold sun of the Alps. The warming of the climate plays on the side of the red varieties from Valle d'Aosta, they reach their polyphenolic maturity, while maintaining elegance and low alcohol content in wines.

Heroes of the Vine

The vineyard area, according to 2010 data, is only 463 hectares, but winemaking plays an important role in the economy of Valle d'Aosta. 2.5 million bottles are produced annually, which is about 700 hectoliters. 0.1%, but they have a strong personality and a unique character.
There are 6 cooperatives and 36 private farms in the region.

Valle d'Aosta is crossed by the Dora Baltea River, which is born on the Brenva Glacier and flows into great river By. Dora Baltea forms the main valley - the valley (valle) of Aosta, numerous tributaries, cut into mountains, create other lowlands, which are characterized by different microclimates.
The vineyards are located along the river Dora-Baltea, rising to the foot of Mont Blanc.
The main climate is alpine, which is characterized by long and cold winters, when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, summers are short and not hot. The difference between night and day temperatures is significant. For example, during the autumn period, the temperature rises to 22 degrees during the day, and drops to zero at night.
At the bottom of the valleys, the climate is continental, the winter temperature is about zero degrees, and in summer it rises to 30.
The Aosta Valley is one of the driest places in Italy, thanks to the effect of the mountains that dissipate the clouds.

Viticulture of the Valle d "Aosta belongs to the mountain and is called" heroic ", since the processing of vines can be compared with a feat and a challenge to nature.
More than half of the vineyards are planted at an altitude above 500 meters above sea level, steep slopes and a sharp drop in altitude add to the complexity.

Some of the vineyards are located on terraces made of stones without the use of cement. This protects against erosion and expands the planting area. In addition, stones attract sunlight and give heat to the vines, this is important, since the daylight hours in the mountains are shorter, but the ultraviolet radiation is higher and the sun's rays are more intense.

Vineyards are located at an altitude of 320 to 1200 meters above sea level. This is one of the highest vineyards in Europe.
Valle d'Aosta has the only wine growing area DOC Valle d "Aosta (Vallee d" Aoste), which received this status in 1971. Often wines have double spelling: in Italian and in French.

The DOC Valle d "Aosta wine zone is divided into 7 subzones:

Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle- the only cultivated variety of prie blanc (blanc de Valdin). It is these vineyards that are the highest.

Alpine treasures