Aosta Things to Do

The charming alpine city of Aosta is home to stunning Roman monuments, amazing natural views, a lively culture, and a rich history. Travelers to this capital city of the Aosta Valley region will find an abundance of unique activities to enjoy, whether they prefer outdoor adventures, historic immersion, or regional dining.

FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

When traveling, there is no better way to immerse in local culture than to take part in local events and traditional festivals.

In Aosta, one of the biggest events of the year is the Sant’Orso fair. Held each January, the fair is a place where local craftspeople and artists from across the Aosta Valley come together to showcase and sell their works on the streets of the city center. The event celebrates the ingenuity, creativity, and talent of the people of the Aosta Valley and allows travelers from across the globe the chance to appreciate their works. The atmosphere of the festival is completely one of a kind and visitors will be in awe of the variety of the creative works showcased, including furniture, home decor, wood works, stone sculptures, textiles, iron works, and more.

Another wonderful festival to take part in while visiting Aosta is the Patron Saint’s Day Festival. Held in the Saint-Martin quarter, the event features traditional entertainment, a flea market, roasted chestnuts, and musical performances.

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

Nothing is more festive and wintery than an alpine holiday market set against a backdrop of the Italian Alps. From the end of November to early January, travelers can experience a truly one-of-a-kind seasonal experience by attending the Marché Vert Noël (Christmas market).

The ancient Roman Theater is transformed into a charming alpine holiday village filled with vendors selling unique gifts, holiday handicrafts, local food items, wine, and so much more. Travelers can walk the makeshift streets of the market and sample delicious, flavorful holiday foods and find festive souvenirs to take home.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Aosta’s location in the stunning Aosta Valley makes it a prime destination for fans of nature and outdoor sports. The experience of taking in the views that surround the city is unparalleled – think storybook mountains, lush forests, and crisp mountain air.

An alpine trip is not complete without some snow sports. Luckily, the city is located near amazing mountains and countless ski resorts at which travelers can ski, snowboard, and go snowshoe trekking.

For hikers, bikers, or those who just wish to be one with nature, a visit to nearby nature preserves is a must. The Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso (Gran Paradiso National Park) is stunning – featuring everything from grassy meadows to rocky mountains to glaciers, it is home to countless species of wildlife. Travelers can take a cable car to enjoy the amazing views from up above. Not far from the Gran Paradiso park is the Mont Avic Park. A beautiful preserve, it features lush, vibrant plants and thousands of species of animals, allowing for a fully immersive natural experience. Whether trekking, taking a walk, enjoying a bike ride, or taking a horseback ride, the lush beauty of the Aosta Valley awaits travelers.

For those who wish to take in the history of Aosta while enjoying the weather, visit any of the area’s wonderfully historic monuments. The Roman Theater is a great place to take in a local concert or theatrical performance while still enjoying the history of the ancient ruins.

Afterward, visit Porta Pretoria, a Roman stone gateway that is not far from the theater. Other historic monuments to check out include Augustus’ Arch, the Criptoportico Forense, a unique subterranean gallery of arches and columns, and the Roman Bridge, which was built over the Buthier River.

The Megalithic Area, which covers two and a half acres, is another must-see. This archeological site features a necropolis that can be traced back to the late Neolithic period. Artifacts that can be observed here include ceramics, glassware, and stone slabs.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

For those who wish to stay indoors, Aosta features some amazing churches in which travelers can admire architecture and art as well as learn of the city’s religious history. There is the Aosta Cathedral, which was built in the fourth century, as well as Sant’Orso – a religious complex that features a church, cloister, and chapel.

Aosta also features several venues for art exhibitions. The fifteenth century Chapel of San Grato is one example. The deconsecrated chapel, which features sixteenth century frescoes, today hosts local art exhibitions. Another example is the Centre Saint Benin, where modern and contemporary art exhibitions by national and international artists are held.

SHOPPING

If looking to take home some souvenirs, travelers have many options to choose from. The main area for shopping in Aosta is the Via Croix de Ville. It features a variety of designer boutiques and mainstream shops. For bargain shoppers, there is the Guichardaz outlet, where name brand and designer pieces can be found for up to 50% off.

A visit to the Aosta Valley would not be complete without enjoying some local food products like chestnut honey, cured meats, or regional wine. There are a variety of food shops located throughout the city.

FAMILIES AND KIDS

A fun, kid-friendly, indoor activity is a trip to the Regional Archaeological Museum. Filled with ancient Roman artifacts that can be viewed up-close, it covers the history of the region from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

The best way to soak up the atmosphere of Aosta is to take a walk through the city’s “Old Town” area. If this charming portion of the city does not win travelers over with its ancient architecture, unique shops, and restaurants and bars that serve traditional Aosta cuisine, it is sure to make its mark with the mountainous backdrop which surrounds the city. Travelers can also take a walk in the Piazza Emile Chanoux, which is perfect for breathing in the local culture.

One of the most unique places to visit in Aosta is the Astronomical Observatory of Valle D’Aosta. With its high altitude and almost 250 nights of clear skies, it is the perfect place for viewing the stars. The facility includes observation areas, a meteorological station, an indoor exhibition, and more.

Thanks to its Roman ruins and French-influenced culture, there is no other place in Italy quite like the city of Aosta. Travelers to Aosta can spend their days exploring archeological sites, visiting historic castles, and admiring the local art.

Travel Guides

The Aosta Valley of Italy

The Cities of Aosta Valley, Italy