Information about the Roman Road to Gaul

Roman Road to Gaul crossed the Aosta Valley and was built to link Rome to the Countries beyond the Alps. The road linked Eporedia (Ivrea) up to Augusta Praetoria (Aosta), then split into two directions: one to the Alpis Graia pass (Piccolo San Bernardo) towards Germany, the other to the Alpis Pœnina pass (Gran San Bernardo) towards France.
The road is still recognizable nowadays in particular in Bard and Donnas and has left important vestiges, such as the Roman bridge in Pont Saint Martin.

During the Roman period along the road there where some mansio, places where travelers could rest, situated in strategic points along the road (archaeological ruins under the parish church of Saint Vincent).

During centuries the Roman Road to Gaul was attended by kings, Popes, emperors, businessmen, soldiers and used until the end of 19th century. During Middle Ages this road was attended by many pilgrims because it was part of the famous Francigena road.

Guided Tour of the Roman Road to Gaul in Donnas

The Roman road in Donnas is the most beautiful display of the Roman road; here the rock has been engraved for more than 200 meters during the 1st century B.C.
During Middle Ages the Arch has been used as gateway to the suburb, which was closed at night or in event of danger.
Near the Arch there is an impressive milestone showing the distance between the village and Augusta Praetoria (Aosta): XXXVI miles (approximately 50 km).

The legend goes that this stretch of road and the arch were built by Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian general. According to the tradition Hannibal during his journey to Rome found here a huge rock and he created the road using fire and vinegar. For centuries the Arch of Donnas was also called “Porte d’Hannibal” (Hannibal’s Gate).

Discover here all the guided tours of the Roman archaeological sites of the Aosta Valley