Provinces of Val d'Aosta: Aosta
Situated 583 m. above sea level on hollow ground near the confluence of the Buthier and the Dora Baltea at the foot of Mount Emilius (3,559 m.), Aosta is a crossroads for highways from France (Mont Blanc tunnel) and Switzerland (Gran San Bernardo tunnel). Founded by the Romans in 25 BC. on a previous Salasso tribal settlement, with the name of Augusta Praetoria, it passed later into the hands of the Goths, Lombards and Franks. From the 11th century on it remained almost constantly under the Savoy family, sharing its destiny.
Remarkable monuments remain from the Roman period: the rectangular town walls, the Porta Praetoria, the amphitheatre, theatre and Arco di Augusto. Medieval remains are the Lebbroso and Bramafam towers, as well as the Collegiate church of Sant'Orso with cloister and treasures. The cathedral (11th and 15th century) has a neoclassical façade, as has the Palazzo del Municipio (Town Hall) which overlooks Piazza Chanoux.
The town's economy is based on tourism, commerce and administration and industry, which is present in the iron, food, chemical, textiles, publishing and wood working sectors.
Events: Fiera di Sant'Orso (end January), crafts exhibition (July to August), organ festival (in Summer), `Bataille des Reines' (in Autumn), the finals of the cow fights held throughout the year all along the valley.
Famous People: Federico Chabod (historian, 1901-1960), Emile Chanoux (politician, 1906-1944), St. Anselm (1033-1109), St. Gratus (5th century), St. Ursus (6th century).
Cultural Institutions: Alpine and Archaeological Museum, Museo dell'Accademia di Sant'Anselmo, regional archives of the history of Valle d'Aosta.
In the Province: Châtillon (Castello Challant), Saint-Vincent (spa, casino), Courmayeur (`Duca degli Abruzzi' Alpine Museum), Cogne (Paradisia, alpine botanical garden), Saint-Pierre (permanent archaeological exhibition, regional natural science museum), Saint-Nicolas (Franco-Provençal
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