Things to do in  Aosta

The name of Italy’s oldest national park doesn’t oversell, as the century-old reserve—which once served as Savoy royal hunting grounds—spans a vast stretch of protected Alpine peaks and valleys. Named for the 13,000-foot (4,000-meter) Gran Paradiso mountain, the park is thick with rare wildlife (including the endangered ibex), pristine forests and meadows, and scenic trails and mountain roads to take it all in.

Take advantage of the dark skies deep in the mountains above Aosta to observe the stars, planets, and more at this astronomical observatory. Set in the Saint-Barthélemy Valley—an ideal location due to low light pollution and clear skies—the educational site has a planetarium and observation areas with telescopes, laser pointers, and even special equipment to take a safe gander at the sun.

Aosta is known as the “Little Rome of the Alps” thanks to its concentration of ancient ruins dating as far back as the 1st century BC. Most impressive is the city’s Roman Theater, with its intact southern wall soaring over 70 feet (22 meters) into the air, and semicircular rows of seats lined by the remains of elegant arches.

The Chiesa di Sant’Orso (or the Collegiate Church and Cloister of Saint Ursus) is one of Aosta’s most atmospheric religious complexes. Its understated facade and bell tower reflect the area’s Romanesque style, and an ornately carved choir was added inside during a major Renaissance restyling. The serene cloister adjacent to the church has remained largely untouched for almost 1,000 years.

One of the most important vestiges of Aosta’s Roman history, Porta Praetoria is a must-see for ancient architecture fans. Erected in 25 BC, this monumental city gate was the main entrance to the city of Augusta Praetoria from the east through the ancient city walls. Its three arches—a central opening for carriages flanked by two pedestrian passages—and central courtyard are still visible today.

Lined by Aosta’s impressive neoclassical town hall on one side and elegant historic townhouses with street-level shops and eateries on the other three, Piazza Emile Chanoux is Aosta’s main public square. Locals and visitors alike come here to window shop, people watch, and take in views of the Alpine peaks just over the rooftops.

Located close to Gran Paradiso National Park in the Aosta Valley, Rhemes-Notre-Dame Ski Resort is a seasonal attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you’ll find seven pistes, with a snow park area for children, trails for cross-country skiing, and slopes for snowboarding. Beyond winter sports, the area is also popular for hiking in the warmer months.

Located in the Aosta Valley and bordering the Gran Paradiso National Park, Mont Avic Natural Park boasts lakes, forests, snow-capped peaks, and meadows full of Alpine wildflowers. A must for outdoor enthusiasts, here you can hike, go wildlife watching, or bring a picnic to enjoy the mountain views.