Aosta Eight Itineraries To Visit the Valley

The highest mountains in Europe are in the Aosta Valley; medieval castles have protected the roads across the Alps since the Roman Empire. Also, agricultural traditions are still alive today, and the most sophisticated and advanced skiing facilities in resorts are frequented by millions of skiers worldwide. These villages can be reached only by cable car and do not have a road for vehicles. These natural parks protect flora and fauna. This book on the Valle d'Aosta tells all this and more. It describes eight routes to visit all the localities of the Valley. Valle d'Aosta is a vertical region, you might say, in the physical sense, of the many high peaks surrounding it, including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe at 4,807 meters. Nevertheless, this region of such reduced dimensions has a surprising concentration of so many natural splendors, of so many monuments, and so much precious historical and artistic heritage. In its vertical aspect, their density evokes the crowding of skyscrapers in a metropolis where horizontal urban space is scarce and precious. Aosta, the regional capital and the only province of the Valley, is rich in history. Traces of the ancient Augusta Pretoria (the Latin name of Aosta) can easily be seen, such as the magnificent Arch of Augustus (25 B.C.) and the Roman Theatre remains. For Aosta, the Middle Ages were anything but dark: as an important center of commercial traffic with France and Switzerland, the city enjoyed an extended period of prosperity. It is no coincidence that the Cathedral and Church of St. Ursus are two churches of great beauty, dating back to the Middle Ages. This guide covers visits to the mountain region of Aosta Valley, describing eight itineraries to visit the Valley. The locations covered are the city of Aosta, the lower Valley with its castles, a visit to Cogne and the Gran Paradiso Park, a visit to Morgex, La Thuile, and the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass, one to Courmayeur, one to Valpelline and the Gran San Bernardo Pass, and all the villages of the Valtournenche Valley. There are extensive descriptions and color photos of the attractions. It has the listing of many reviews for the best-recommended restaurants for all the locations; you have the necessary information ready: the name, address, and telephone number are included in the guide together with the review. It includes a final chapter on the typical regional cuisine, complete with photos of the dishes.