Aosta, the main town in the province, is a modern town whose hard-working inhabitants now number 40,000.  It is situated in the widest part of the valley at the confluence of the Buthier and Dora Baltea or, if you prefer, at the intersection for France and Switzerland, the Mont Blanc tunnel and the Little and Great Saint Bernard passes.

The town dates back to Roman times.  It was founded in 23 B.C. and the town wall, bastions and Praetoria Gate are almost wholly intact.  You can admire many outstanding public buildings, the amphitheatre, theatre, forum and cryptoporticus, all belonging to the first century A.D., and, at the entrance to the town, the fine Roman bridge and majestic arch in honour of Augustus, built to celebrate the founding of Augusta Praetoria.

Medieval Aosta is represented by the Sant’Orso group of buildings, Early Christian basilica, cloister Roman bell-towers, church priory, brass figures, pews, etc., as well as by the Cathedral, with its fine collection of pews, mosaics and stained glass.

Though an industrial town, Aosta is also a leading holiday resort with good accommodation and lots of pastimes.  Its central location makes it an ideal base from which to reach the other valleys and towns in the province.

Pila is Aosta’s “mountain.”  It is 20 kilometres away and can be reached along a good road with many wonderful views of the valley.  It is a well-equipped resort and holidaymakers can go on long walks in the woods or on outings.  The mountain dominates Aosta and provides views of the entire mountain range from Mont Blanc to the Grandes Jorasses, from Mont Vélan to Grand Combin, from Matterhorn to Monte Rosa, as well as some of the more distant Swiss peaks. The village, however, is mainly a winter sports resort and has a fine network of ski lifts for taking skiers up to its excellent slopes.