Things to do in Aosta
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Chiesa di Sant’Orso
Aosta’s most intriguing sight is this church, which is part of a still-operating monastery. The church dates back to the 10th century but was altered on several occasions, notably in the 15th century when Giorgio di Challant of the ruling family ordered the original frescoes painted over and a new, lower roof installed. All was not lost: the renovations left the upper levels of the frescoes intact above the new roofline. You can ask the warden to unlock the door, letting you clamber up a narrow flight of wooden steps into the cavity between the original and 15th-century ceilings to view the well-preserved remnants.
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Pila
The 1800m-high resort of Pila, accessible by the Aosta–Pila cable car from Aosta or an 18km drive south, is quick and easy to reach from the town. Its 70km of runs, served by 13 lifts, form one of the valley’s largest ski areas. Its highest slope, in the shadow of Gran Paradiso, reaches 2700m and sports an ace snow park with a half-pipe, jump and slide and freestyle area for boarders and freestyle skiers. The ski station is a village of sorts, but services such as the tourist office, police and medical services are handled from Aosta.
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Aosta Cathedral
Aosta's imposing cathedral has a neoclassical facade dedicated to the Madonna and dating from the 11th century, along with two Romanesque bell towers. but within is an impressive Gothic interior featuring carved 15th-century walnut-wood choir stalls and decorative floor mosaics.
In the deambulatory of the Aosta Cathedral, the Tesoro Museum houses a formidable collection of religious art treasures including paintings, marble sculptures and wooden icons dating back to the 4th century.
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Ad Forum
A fantastic restaurant set in a stylish garden (and interior rooms) built on part of the remains of the Roman forum. Conceptual dishes such as risotto with strawberries and spumante, or Lasagnetta with pear and blue cheese, come in generous portions, and you get an equally tasty complimentary aperitif while you wait. The attached enoteca has an excellent line-up of wines.
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La Maison de la Fontina
Want to find some of the best Valdostan fontina cheese in the valley? This whiffy shop has been stocking the celebrated local cheese since 1937. Fontina must be made from the unpasteurised milk of Valdostan cows, matured in rock tunnels for three months and brushed and salted on alternate days. The result is a pungent, salty and potent hard cheese.
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Vecchia Aosta
Maybe it’s the French influence, but Aosta restaurants such as the Vecchia score consistently highly when it comes to culinary creativity. Grafted onto a section of the old Roman wall, the setting is sublime and the waiters highly knowledgeable (and congenial). Take their advice and go for the lamb – a real vacation highlight.
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Trattoria degli Artisti
Fabulous Valdostan cuisine is dished up at this dark, cosy little trattoria, tucked down an alleyway off Via Aubert. Antipasti such as puff pastry filled with Valdostan fondue, cured ham and regional salami are followed by dishes such as roe venison with polenta, and beef braised in Morgex et La Salle white wine.
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Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta
The neoclassical facade of Aosta’s cathedral belies the impressive Gothic interior. Inside, the carved 15th-century walnut-wood choir stalls are particularly beautiful. Two mosaics on the floor, dating from the 12th to the 13th centuries, are also worth studying.
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Ristorante-Pizzeria Ulisse
Ulisse is the sort of place where the food is often brought to your table personally by the hardworking chef and the cooked-to-perfection €5 pizza Margheritas are better than anything you’ll ever taste in fancy faux Italian chains.
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Arch of Augustus
Dominating Piazza Arco di Augusto, this symbolic stone archway was built by the Romans in 25 BC to celebrate their victory over the Celtic Salassi. Across the Buthier River, a cobbled Roman bridge dates back to the 1st century.
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Roman Theatre
Going north along Via di Bailliage and down a dust track brings you to Aosta’s Roman theatre. Part of its 22m-high facade is still intact. In summer, performances are held in the better-preserved lower section.
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Arco di Augusto
The grand triumphal arch, Arco di Augusto has been strung with a crucifix in its centre since medieval times.
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Morgex et La Salle
Europe’s highest vineyard, Morgex et La Salle is named for the two villages strung together by its vines.
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Museo del Tesoro
The religious art treasures displayed in the Museo del Tesoro are worth studying.
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Club Alpino Italiano
West of the city centre. A walking club that organises treks and provides guides.
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Interguide
West of the city centre. A walking club that organises treks and provides guides.
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Cable Car
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