| Aosta, Italy is the capital
of the Aosta region, and is ruled by a special statute in which
Italian and French are both officially recognized languages. Aosta
was founded by Emperor Augustus in 25 BC, and has been called the
Rome of the Alps. It is located in the shadow of the Mont Blanc and San
Bernardo. The economy of Aosta is mainly focused on tourism.
Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa,
the Matterhorn, Great Saint Bernard and Gran Paradiso are all very
popular places for skiing near Aosta.
There are many medieval sites to
behold in Aosta, including the Gothic Collegiata dei Santi Pietro
e Orso. Founded in the 12th century it is characterized by the landmark
Romanesque steeple. You will find many phases within to visit, such as
the crypt and the cloisters, with capitals of over three dozen pillars
that depict biblical scenes.
The main Piazza in Aosta
is home to one of Italys top historic caffes. The Caffe Nazionale was
founded in 1886. Decades ago, there was a church on the site, and there
is still a chapel inside, built as a private sanctuary for the dukes of
Aosta.
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