Arco Onorario d'Augusto

About

The Arch of Augustus, or Arco d’Augusto, stands proudly in the historic center of Aosta, Italy, a testament to the city’s Roman heritage. Built in 25 B.C. to commemorate Emperor Augustus’s victory over the Salassi, the arch has survived millennia of natural erosion and human intervention. Its single semicircular arch spans 8.29 metres and is flanked by pillars adorned with half‑columns that showcase majestic Corinthian capitals. The remainder of the structure, once richly decorated with trophy reliefs, now reveals a Doric entablature with triglyphs and metopes, finishing the monument’s upper section. In the early 20th century, a thorough restoration uncovered gilded bronze lettering that likely represents the original dedicatory inscription. Through the Middle Ages the arch was known as “Saint‑Vout,” bearing a saint’s image before the crucifix replaced it. Today, the Arch of Augustus is freely accessible to visitors, offering a brief but vivid snapshot of Roman engineering and aesthetics. A half‑day stroll around the arch, especially with a walk to the nearby Porta Praetoria, gives travelers a full appreciation of Roman Aosta and its enduring legacy.

Highlights

• Late Republican Roman Arch
• Corinthian Capitals
• Gilded Bronze Inscription
• Historical Restorations
• Proximity to Porta Praetoria

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

Pros & Cons

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 4 hours