Giornate FAI di primavera - Aosta as you have never seen it before

During the FAI Spring Days on 21^st and 22^nd March, walks are organised in the village of San Rocco and visits to two historic buildings in the centre of Aosta: Palais Lostan and Casa Barillier.

• Palais Lostan: from the glory of Mathieu de Lostan to the Roman Forum. In the heart of ancient Augusta Prætoria stands Palais Lostan, an elegant stately home built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Linked to the figure of Mathieu de Lostan, the palace preserves traces of different eras. During the visit, we will start from the charming internal courtyard and then enter the rooms that now house the Department of Tourism, where we can admire the frescoed halls of the main floor which, after restoration work completed in 2018, still feature original 16th-century wooden beams and decorated walls. The tour will end with a climb up the medieval tower.📍 Meeting point at the FAI office in Piazza Caveri.

• Casa Barillier: 18th-century elegance and Aosta Valley identity. Overlooking the historic Croce di Calvino, Casa Barillier is a refined 18th-century residence built by the merchant Claude-Michel Barillier, a member of a family linked to the city's trade and economic life. The building bears witness to the taste and prestige of the 18th-century Aosta Valley bourgeoisie, with elegant rooms and high-quality architectural solutions. During the visit, we will climb the historic staircase leading to the noble floors of the building, now home to the BREL - Bureau Régional pour l'Ethnologie et la Linguistique and the Regional Archives. We will then have special access to the evocative Sala degli Stucchi, a beautifully decorated room that now houses part of the linguistic and sound heritage of the Aosta Valley. 📍 Meeting point at the FAI office in Via Croix de Ville 16.

• Walk through the village of San Rocco. A circular tour to rediscover the oldest roots of the city through five iconic stops. The route will start from the Arch of Augustus, a commemorative monument erected in 25 BC to commemorate the founding of the Roman colony of Augusta Prætoria and the victory over the Salassi. From here, we will continue towards Casa Motta (the so-called “Casa Rossa”), the ancient mill and the Chapel of San Rocco, until we reach the impressive Roman Bridge, an extraordinary feat of engineering built to allow the Gallic consular road to cross the Buthier stream. An itinerary through history, architecture and memory that recounts the evolution of Aosta over the centuries. 📍 Meeting point at the FAI office in Piazza Arco d'Augusto.

• In case of high attendance, entry to the site may not be guaranteed. 

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• FAI cardholders or those who purchase a card on site are entitled to priority access.

• For information: aosta@delegazionefai.fondoambiente.it