At the eastern entrance to Aosta, in the Piazza Arco d'Augusto and commanding a fine view over Aosta and the mountains, is the Arco di Augusto (Arch of Augustus),built in 25 BC to mark Rome's victory over the Celtic Salassi tribe. (The sloping roof was added in 1716 in an attempt to keep rain from seeping between the stones.) The present-day layout of streets in this small city tucked away in the Alps more than 644 km (400 mi) from Rome is the clearest example of Roman urban planning in Italy. Well-preserved Roman walls form a perfect rectangle around the center of Aosta, and the regular pattern of streets reflects its role as a military stronghold. St. Anselm, born in Aosta, later became archbishop of Canterbury in England.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip