Ancient Roman walls in Aosta

The Ancient Roman walls of Aosta are a fortified defensive structure made of local stone with multiple towers and gates that still encircle the city center. The preserved rampart runs along the entire perimeter of the old town and defines its spatial layout to this day.

Construction of the walls began around 25 BC when the city was founded as Augusta Praetoria Salassorum to serve as a military stronghold controlling Alpine trade passages. The fortification was essential for Roman expansion in this strategic mountain region.

The walls form a natural walking path where locals and visitors move through daily, blending the ancient fortification seamlessly into modern city life. This integration means the Roman construction remains part of how people navigate and experience the town.

A marked path circles the entire fortification and allows visitors to see the mountains and city structures from different vantage points along the route. Most sections are easy to walk, though some areas have uneven surfaces to watch for.

The structure includes three separate passages through the Praetoria gate complex, with original grooves for gate mechanisms still visible in the stone. These fine details show the craftsmanship of Roman builders and help visitors understand the practical mechanics used to control access.