Aosta

Aosta, the highest capital in Europe, is located in the Aosta Valley of northwest Italy. It is bordered by France to the west and Switzerland to the north. With a population of just over 36,000, it is an alpine town known for its winter sports as well as its Roman ruins.

Aosta was founded in 25 BC by the Roman emperor Augustus as the capital of the province of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum. Its strategic location made it an important military outpost in the Alps, and it was also a stopping point on the Via Francigena, a trade route between Rome and northern Europe.

Aosta’s Roman heritage is evident in its city center, which is lined with streets in a grid pattern and is home to many well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Arco d’Augusto, a triumphal arch built in 25 BC. The city also has a number of medieval churches and fortifications, such as the Castello del Valentino, a castle that was built in the 14th century.

Aosta is a popular destination for winter sports, as it is located in the midst of the Alps. The nearby ski resorts of Courmayeur and La Thuile offer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Aosta is also home to a number of outdoor attractions, such as the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, a national park that is home to many hiking and biking trails.