Aosta

Aosta (French: 'Aoste') is the principal city of the Valle d'Aosta in the Italian Alps. It is at the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Population (2001): 33,926.

Geography

Aosta's strategic importance lay in its position on the Italian side of the Great St. Bernard Pass, the most ancient pass through the Western Valais Alps, which was already ancient when the Romans founded Augusta Praetoria Salassorum. The title of the local Duke of Aosta was the courtesy title of the eldest son of the King of Italy, of the House of Savoy.

The valley borders a number Europe's highest mountains, including the Cervino or Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso. The valley also borders the neighbouring countries of France and Switzerland.

External link

• Photos of Aosta