Madrelingua Italiana

Valle d'Aosta is the smallest region in Italy located in the extreme north-western part of the country. The alpine mountains of Val d'Aosta characterize the landscape of the region and are a popular destination for many climbers and skiers from all over the world. The region borders to the west with France, to the north with Switzerland, to the east and south with Piedmont. Aosta is its only province, from which the region took its name. Valle d'Aosta is located at the junction point between the western Alps and the central Alps (Graie and Pennine Alps). The massifs of the Gran Paradiso (4,061 m / 13,323 ft) and Mont Blanc (4,810 m / 15,781 ft) are part of the Graie. The Pennine Alps include the Matterhorn (4,478 m / 14,692 ft) and the Monte Rosa (4,634 m / 15,203 ft). Val d'Aosta is an entirely Alpine region whose glaciers - among the most impressive on the Italian side of the Alps – covered up to 10,000 years ago the whole valley floor of the entire region. Originally, Val d'Aosta was part of Piedmont, from which it broke away in 1948. The region extends around the valley formed by the river Dora Baltea, which is the largest tributary of the river Po (160 km long). The river Dora Baltea crosses the entire Val d'Aosta and then move to Piedmont. On its banks are located all the main areas of the region, including Aosta. Among the largest and most populated valleys stand out Gressoney, Val D'Ayas, Valtournanche, Valpelline on the north side, Valsavarenche and Val di Cogne on the south side. To date, tourism in Val d'Aosta is important and has reached a remarkable prestige, registering a presence of visitors at the hotel facilities, seven times higher than the number of inhabitants of the region. The main attractions remain the well-known mountaineering and winter sports resorts: Courmayeur, Breuil-Cervinia, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, La Thuile, Champoluc etc. Equally attractive for tourists are the numerous medieval castles, all carefully restored (Fénis, Issogne, Verrès) and magnificent Roman ruins of the city of Aosta. Finally, the spas, such as Saint-Vincent, with the well-known Casino de la Vallèe. The climate of the Val d'Aosta is typically alpine, with harsh winters and cool summers. About one-sixth of the regional territory, near a large portion of the Gran Paradiso National Park, is a protected area. In the sunny and lower slopes of the valley, there are magnificent vineyards whose grapes produce DOC wines such as Valle d'Aosta Chambave Moscato - Valle d'Aoste Chambave Muscat; Valle d'Aosta Petite Arvine Valle d'Aoste Premetta; Valle d 'Aosta Gamay - Valle d'Aoste Gamay; Blanc de Cossan and Valle d'Aoste Blanc de Morgex and La Salle. Dairy production is also important. The Fontina is one of the most renowned cheeses.