Aosta

Aosta (French: Aoste) is the principal city and episcopal see of the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps, 48 miles north-northwest of Turin, in Piedmont. At , it is near the Italian entrance of the Mont Blanc Tunnel. It is situated 1910 feet above sea-level, at the confluence of the Buthier and the Dora Baltea, and at the junction of the Great and Little St Bernard routes. Population (2001): 33,926.

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Aosta's strategic importance lay in its position on the Italian side of the Great St. Bernard Pass, the most ancient pass through the Western Pennine Alps, a route that was already ancient when the Romans founded Augusta Praetoria Salassorum

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After the fall of the Roman empire the valley of Aosta fell into the hands of the Burgundian kings; and after many changes of masters, it came under the rule of Count Humbert I. of Savoy (Biancamano) in 1032. The privilege of holding the assembly of the states-general was granted to the inhabitants in 1189. An executive council was nominated from this body in 1536, and continued to exist until 1802. After the restoration of the rule of Savoy it was reconstituted and formally recognized by Charles Albert, king of Sardinia, at the birth of his grandson Prince Amedeo, who was created duke of Aosta. The title of the local Duke of Aosta became the courtesy title of the eldest son of the King of Italy, of the House of Savoy.

French: French can refer to more than one article:...

Aosta Valley: Aosta Valley (in French Vall?e d'Aoste, in Italian Valle d'Aosta) is a mountainous region in north-western Italy, the smallest of Italy's regions. It is bordered by France to the west, Switzerland to the north and the region of Piedmont to the south. The region has a special autonomous status and fo...

Italian: Italian may refer to:...

Aosta related Images and Photos (experimental)

Close-Up of an Alpine Ibex Gran Paradiso National Park Valle D'Aosta Italy (Capra Ibex )

High Angle View of a Red Fox Gran Paradiso National Park Valle D'Aosta Italy (Vulpes Vulpes)