Spots in Aosta
Here are three attractions not to be missed in the city of Aosta. One of the benefits of exploring a small city like Aosta is that all these spots are in close proximity!
The Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre complex in Aosta
The Roman theatre, built after the emperor Augustus established the city in 25 BCE, is part of an archeological complex that you can walk around after purchasing a ticket for 7 euros. (The ticket also allows you access to the other spots I have included!) The most impressive remain is the southern façade, standing 22 meters tall with variously sized arches. From inside the complex you can see the Alps from a myriad of angles. When I was there in mid-February, they had just disassembled stalls for a Christmas market within the ancient complex, so be sure to check out the market if you visit around Christmas time.
The Cryptoporticus
The Cryptoporticus
Aosta’s Cryptoporticus (covered corridor or passageway) is shrouded in mystery. Historians do know that the ancient archways were located below two temples; one was dedicated to Augustus, the founder of the city, and the other to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva; however, they do not know what the exact function of the structure was. You can wander through the ancient archways and speculate for yourself. There is more information about the archeological and historical significance of the spot on panels throughout the barrel vaults and lowered arches.
The Regional Archeological Museum and Café Librairie
I was pleasantly surprised by this regional museum. As stated on their website, the permanent exhibition is presented in a thematic and chronological manner. There are artifacts from the Mesolithic to the Salassi eras, that is, the pre-Roman eras. To recap, the Salassi were an ancient Celtic population who had settled in the Aosta region before the Romans arrived under Augustus. In the museum, you move into the Romanization of the area and then up through the centuries.
As a bonus, just across the street is a nice bookstore café, a cute place to browse and take a coffee break.