Aosta Valley, Italy

View of Mont Blanc from the Aosta Valley, Italy
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mont_Blanc_-_Valle_d%27Aosta_2.JPG
Author: Simo Räsänen


Aosta Valley is a region in the mountainous northwestern corner of Italy. It is also known in Italian as Valle d'Aosta or Val d'Aosta, in French as Vallée d'Aoste and in German as Aostatal. It is bordered by the Piedmont region of Italy to the south and east, Rhône-Alpes in France to the west, and Valais in Switzerland to the west. The area covers 3,263 sq km (1,260 sq mi) and has a population of 128,000 people (2012 estimate).

Breuil-Cervinia, Aosta Valley
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rue_J-A_Carrel_Breuil.JPG
Author: Tenam2


Geography of Aosta Valley
The Aosta Valley covers the valley area of an otherwise mountainous region. It includes the slopes of major peaks such as the Monc Blanc (known in Italian as Monte Bianco), the Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn.

Climate of Aosta Valley
The Aosta Valley experiences a humid continental climate. The tall mountains protecting it provides a climate similar to the Norwegian fjords. January is the coldest month, with average low temperature of -4°C (25°F) while July is the warmest month, when the average high temperature rises to 15°C (59°F). Snowfall can be expected from November to end of March.

As you move higher, the climate changes. Above 1,600 m, it graduates to the cold continental climate. At 2,000 m, the climate changes to the cold oceanic climate. Above 2,000 m to 3,500 m, you can expect a tundra climate.

Language spoken in Aosta Valley
The people of the Aosta Valley speak mostly Italian of course, but there are also local dialects including Valdôtain, a form of Franco-Provençal, and Walser German. Some 70% of the population here are able to speak French.

Castello di Aymavilles in Inverno, Aosta Valley
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castello_di_Aymavilles_in_inverno_1.JPG
Author: Patafisik


History of Aosta Valley
Celts and Ligurians are the earliest known inhabitants of the Aosta Valley. The area came under Roman control in 25 BC. After the Romans withdrew, the area enjoyed a period of autonomy, protected by the high mountains. Nonetheless there were periods when Goths and Lombards ruled over it. From the 11th century, the Aosta Valley was ruled by the House of Savoy, except for a brief period of French occupation from 1539 to 1563. As the Duchy of Aosta, it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until 1861, when it joined the Kingdom of Italy.

Economy of Aosta Valley
Farming is the traditional lifestyle in the Aosta Valley, though nowadays tourism has become a lucrative form of income earner. The area is famous for high-quality wines and winter sports.

Aosta Valley on the map

The main motorway serving the Aosta Valley is the A5 motoway which passes through the city of Aosta from east to west.

Cities & Towns in Aosta Valley

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