Explore the Via delle Gallie and its historical treasures
The Via delle Gallie offers a journey through history and nature in the Aosta Valley.
What is the Via delle Gallie and why is it famous?
The Via delle Gallie was the first major public work built in the Aosta Valley. It connected Eporedia (modern Ivrea) to Augusta Prætoria (Aosta), then branched off towards the Little and Great St. Bernard. It was a strategic road used for trade and the movement of Roman legions, and it still preserves original sections of great value today.
Where is the Roman arch of Donnas located?
One of the most picturesque points of the Via delle Gallie is located in Donnas, just 3 km from the Forte di Bard. Here, the ancient road has been carved directly into the rock for a length of 221 meters and features a majestic stone arch about 4 meters thick, 4 meters high, and nearly 3 meters wide. Walking under this arch is an experience that conveys the grandeur of Roman engineering.
What makes the Via delle Gallie route in Donnas unique?
The uniqueness of this stretch lies in its natural aspect: the passage has been carved into the living rock, giving visitors the sensation of walking on a road suspended between history and nature. The wear left by Roman carts is still visible, creating a direct link with those who traveled this way centuries ago.
What to see around the Roman arch?
Before reaching the Roman road, it is worth visiting the medieval village of Donnas. Its stone houses, 16th-century windows, and intricately carved wooden portals create an atmosphere from another time. This walking route thus becomes a double experience: Roman history and medieval charm.
What to see in Pont-Saint-Martin along the Via delle Gallie?
About 6 km from the Forte di Bard, along the same route, is Pont-Saint-Martin, famous for its imposing Roman stone bridge that crosses the Lys stream. The unique arch of 35 meters and a height of 25 meters are impressive. At the base, one can observe the marks of the ancient wooden beams used for construction.
Can you visit the Roman Bridge Museum?
Yes, right at the entrance of the bridge is the Roman Bridge Museum, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with free admission. Here, visitors can discover curiosities, construction techniques, and artifacts related to this engineering masterpiece.
What to do in the old village of Pont-Saint-Martin?
After admiring the bridge, it is worth strolling through the old village along Via Roma, where time seems to have stood still. A walk leads to the Baraing Castle, an ideal viewpoint for taking photos and enjoying the Aosta Valley landscape.
How to experience the Via delle Gallie?
The best way to discover the Via delle Gallie is to walk. A walking itinerary between Donnas, Bard, and Pont-Saint-Martin allows you to admire Roman remains, historic villages, and the panorama of the Aosta Valley. It is a slow and immersive experience that combines culture and nature.
Why visit the Via delle Gallie during a trip to Aosta Valley?
Because it is not just an ancient road, but a living path, filled with breathtaking landscapes, characteristic villages, and extraordinary works like the arch of Donnas and the Roman bridge of Pont-Saint-Martin. Every step tells a story, giving tourists the feeling of living an adventure in the heart of the Roman era.
