Famous Places in Valle d'Aosta, Italy

Located in the northwestern corner of Italy, the Valle d'Aosta area can feel very different from the rest of Italy. Valle d'Aosta borders Switzerland and France and the region is officially bilingual -- as you'll notice from the road signs printed in both Italian and French. What really sets the region apart, however, is its dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains. While this rugged terrain makes the area a major ski destination, it also shelters a large national park, a unique culture and several fascinating historical sites.

Aosta

• The city of Aosta is the starting point for most trips through the valley and an attraction in and of itself. Dating back to the Roman Empire, the town contains a number of well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Pretoria -- the eastern gateway through the original Roman walls -- and the remains of a theater and forum. The city's cathedral dates back to the 13th century. In addition, the monumental complex of Saint Orso includes a Gothic church, a crypt and a cloister. For a good view of the surrounding mountain peaks, head to Emile Chanoux Square and look in any direction.

Gran Paradiso National Park

• Gran Paradiso National Park, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont, was Italy's first national park. The wilderness area -- a habitat for species like steinbock deer, marmots and golden eagles -- includes pristine Alpine forests of red spruce, silver firs and larch trees. The easiest way to reach the park is by heading south a few miles from Aosta to the town of Cogne, where you'll find a visitors center that leads into the park. In addition, Cogne is home to the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden, a park that features approximately 1,000 different species of flowers and plants. The garden is well worth a visit in the month of July, when most of the plants are in full bloom.
• Mountains and Ski Slopes

• Some of the highest mountains in the Alps are located in Valle d'Aosta: Monte Bianco (also known as Mont Blanc and shared with France), Monte Cervino (also known as the Matterhorn and shared with Switzerland) and Monte Rosa (shared with Switzerland). In addition to fantastic alpine scenery, these mountains offer challenging ski slopes. The Checrouit-Val Veny ski resort in Courmayeur -- west of Aosta, near the French border -- has slopes running along the sides of Monte Bianco, the tallest mountain in the Alps.

Historical Sites

• Less than 30 miles east of Aosta is the monumental Fortress of Bard, a strategic military complex. The early 19th century stronghold -- built on older foundations -- includes 283 rooms contained in a number of defensive structures arranged on a hill. The citadel at the top is now home to the Museum of the Alps. Just 6 miles from Aosta, the 14th century Fenis Castle, with its tall square and cylindrical towers, was both a military stronghold and an ostentatious feudal mansion. The interior is open for tours and decorated with frescoes.