The Arch of Augustus (Arco di Augusto) stands at the eastern edge of the ancient Roman colony of Augusta Praetoria, marking the point where the Via delle Gallie — the road connecting the Po Plain to the Great St Bernard and Little St Bernard Alpine passes — entered the city. Erected in 25 BC to commemorate the Roman victory over the Salassi tribe and the founding of the colony, the arch is the oldest surviving monument in Aosta and one of the best-preserved single-span triumphal arches in Italy. It measures approximately 12 metres in height and retains its original attic story, though the medieval crucifix mounted on the attic is a later addition installed to Christianise the pagan monument. The arch is built of local sandstone and displays engaged Corinthian columns on each face. A medieval tower was built against one side of the structure during the Middle Ages, visually layering 2,000 years of Aostan history in a single view. The monument stands in its own small piazza on Via Sant'Anselmo, the main pedestrian axis of the historic centre, and is freely visible at all hours from the surrounding pavement. It serves as the natural starting point of the Roman monument walking circuit that also takes in the Porta Praetoria, the Roman Theatre stage wall, the Cryptoporticus, and the Forum ruins. The arch is photogenic from all four sides; the eastern face catches morning light and the western face glows at sunset. Evening illumination makes the arch worth revisiting after dark.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Always open (outdoor monument) |
| Typical visit | 30 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning for photography without crowds |
| Getting there | Walk from Aosta train station (10 min) or any bus to Aosta centro |
| Address | Piazza Arco d'Augusto, 11100 Aosta AO, Italy |
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Location
Piazza Arco d'Augusto, 11100 Aosta AO, Italy
45.7375, 7.3215 View on map
Highlights
- Oldest surviving monument in Aosta, erected in 25 BC to mark the founding of Augusta Praetoria
- One of the best-preserved single-span Roman triumphal arches in Italy
- Corinthian column details and original attic story with medieval crucifix addition
- Medieval tower built against the arch — visible evidence of 2,000 years of continuous use
- Free, always-accessible outdoor monument on the main pedestrian street of historic Aosta
Tips for visiting
- Photograph the arch from the east (Via Sant'Anselmo side) in the morning for front-lit stonework
- Combine with Porta Praetoria (5-minute walk) and the Roman Theatre (10-minute walk) for a complete Roman Aosta circuit
- The arch is adjacent to the historic centre — use it as a navigation landmark when exploring on foot
- Evening illumination of the arch makes it worth revisiting after dark
- Information panels in Italian, French, and English are posted at the base of the arch
When to visit
The arch can be visited at any time of day or year. Morning light on the eastern face is ideal for photography; the western face catches the setting sun. The monument is illuminated after dark and worth a second look in the evening.
Accessibility
The Arch of Augustus is an open-air monument on a flat pedestrian street and is fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility limitations. There are no steps or barriers at the monument itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Arch of Augustus free to visit?
Yes, the arch is a free outdoor monument on a public street, accessible at all hours with no ticket or registration required.
How long does a visit take?
Viewing the arch itself takes 15–30 minutes. It is most effectively combined with the full Roman Aosta walking circuit, which takes 1.5–2 hours total.
Why is there a cross on a Roman arch?
The medieval crucifix was added to the attic during the Middle Ages, a common practice of Christianising pagan monuments to legitimise their continued presence in the urban fabric.