Aosta Valley (Valle d'Aosta) is Italy's smallest and least populated region, nestled in the far northwest corner of the country surrounded by the Alps. Bordered by France to the west and Switzerland to the north, the region is dominated by some of Europe's highest peaks — Mont Blanc (4,808 m), the Matterhorn (4,478 m), and Monte Rosa — and is home to Gran Paradiso National Park, over 70 medieval castles, and a bilingual Italian-French culture that reflects centuries of cross-border exchange. Its capital, Aosta, preserves remarkable Roman monuments alongside a vibrant contemporary food scene anchored by DOP cheeses, cured meats, and mountain wines.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Aosta Valley.
Historical sites
Places where Aosta Valley's past comes alive.
Roman Theatre of Aosta
Where: Aosta
Admission: Adult: €3.50 (~$3.80 USD) for archaeological museum; theatre exterior free
Arch of Augustus (Arco di Augusto)
Where: Aosta
Admission: Adult: Free
Porta Praetoria
Where: Aosta
Admission: Adult: Free
Castello di Fénis
Where: Fénis
Admission: Adult: €6 (~$6.50 USD) | Child: €3 (~$3.25 USD)
Great St Bernard Hospice and Pass
Where: Great St Bernard Pass
Admission: Adult:
Museums
Curated collections that tell Aosta Valley's story.
Museo Archeologico Regionale (Regional Archaeological Museum)
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30AM-6:30PM; closed Monday
Admission: Adult: €5 (~$5.50 USD)
Museo della Cattedrale (Cathedral Museum)
Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00AM-12:30PM & 3:00PM-5:30PM
Admission: Adult: €3 (~$3.25 USD)
Museo delle Alpi at Forte di Bard
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00AM-6:00PM (Jul-Aug until 7:00PM)
Admission: Adult: €10 (~$11 USD) | Child: €6 (~$6.50 USD)