Situated in the picturesque town of Aosta, nestled in the Italian Alps, the Ancient Roman walls in Aosta (known locally as Mura di Aosta) stand as a testament to the grandeur and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. These ancient fortifications have withstood the test of time, preserving a slice of history that dates back to the founding of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, the Roman name for Aosta, in 25 BC.
The original Roman walls, constructed to protect the burgeoning city, form a near-perfect rectangle, measuring 727.50 meters along its longer sides and 574 meters along its shorter sides. This impressive feat of engineering was designed to safeguard the city from invasions and to assert Roman dominance in the region. The walls, built from mortar and cement with river pebbles, stand approximately 2 meters thick at the base. Originally, the walls reached a height of 6.5 meters and were reinforced with buttresses to enhance their defensive capabilities.
Strategically placed gates punctuate the walls, serving as critical entry and exit points for the city. On the eastern side lies the Porta Praetoria, the main entrance to the city. The western, northern, and southern sides house the Porta Decumana, Porta Principalis Sinistra, and Porta Principalis Dextra, respectively. These gates were not only functional but also symbolic, representing the power and organization of the Roman Empire. The Decumanus Maximus and Cardo Maximus, the principal streets of the city, intersected at these gates, highlighting their importance in the urban layout.
At regular intervals along the walls, two-story towers were erected to fortify the city's defenses. Originally, there were about twenty towers, each serving as a sentinel to monitor and protect the surrounding territory. Over the centuries, these towers have undergone numerous modifications due to weathering and human intervention, yet they continue to stand as silent witnesses to the city's storied past.
Located at the northeastern corner of the enclosure, the Tour du Bailliage has a rich history. In the 12th century, the noble De Palais family renovated the tower, raising its height using stones from the Roman walls. By the 15th century, it became the seat of the local bailiwick, housing the tribunal and prison. The tower continued to serve as Aosta's prison until 1984, after which it underwent restoration and is now slated to become the headquarters of the Institut musical de la Vallée d'Aoste.
The Tour Fromage, named after the Du Fromage family, was built in the 12th century near the Roman theatre. Throughout its history, it has seen several renovations. Notably, in 1549, it hosted an official luncheon in honor of Ferdinand I of Gonzaga, the governor of Milan. Since 1975, the tower has been used for exhibitions, adding a cultural dimension to its historical significance.
This tower has retained much of its original form and derives its name from its long-standing use as a granary. Situated near the public garden and Aosta's train station, it was once considered for conversion into a museum of Roman artifacts. Despite suffering damage from a fire in 1894, it was restored by Portuguese architect Alfredo d'Andrade. However, the museum plans were eventually abandoned.
Standing where the Porta Principalis Dextra once was, the Tour Bramafam has served various purposes over the centuries, including a courthouse, coal storage, and granary. Its name, derived from the local dialect meaning cry of hunger, reflects the hardships faced by Aosta's inhabitants during a famine. The tower was restored in the late 19th century, revealing numerous Roman-era artifacts during the excavations.
Once known as Tour Friour, this Roman-era tower was home to the Friour family from the 11th to the 15th centuries. A spiral staircase leads to the third floor, added in the 15th century. The tower's name changed to Tour du Lépreux in reference to Pierre-Bernard Guasco, a leper confined there from 1773 to 1803. It later served as a refuge for cholera patients and an observatory. Today, it is owned by the autonomous region of Valle d'Aosta and hosts exhibitions.
Only a portion of the fortress that once included the Tourneuve remains visible today. Built on the foundations of a pre-existing Roman tower, the Tourneuve stands as a reminder of the city's layered history.
This medieval tower was constructed on the ruins of the Porta Praetoria. The noble family of Porta Saint-Ours, which included bishops of Aosta and Geneva, resided there until 1185. After relocating to the Château de Quart, the family became known as the Seigneurs de Quart. The tower's southern side once housed the neighborhood's communal oven. Known as the Tour de l'Insinuation since 1830, it served as the city's archive.
The Ancient Roman walls in Aosta, with their impressive gates and resilient towers, offer a captivating glimpse into the past. Walking along these ancient fortifications, one can almost hear the echoes of Roman soldiers and medieval knights, feel the weight of history, and marvel at the enduring legacy of this remarkable city.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
