Via delle Gallie

Introduction

The Via delle Gallie, in the Aosta Valley, represents one of the most fascinating testimonies of the road network built by the Romans to connect Italy to the transalpine provinces. Built in the 1st century B.C. under the consulate of Gaius Julius Caesar, this road had a strategic role both for military control and to facilitate trade with the northern regions.

Description

One of the best-preserved stretches is that of Montjovet, a place that offers the opportunity to closely observe the ingenuity and technical expertise of the ancient Romans. Here, the very name of the area, 'Mons Iovis' (Mount of Jupiter), testifies to the presence of an ancient temple dedicated to the divinity, which symbolised the link between the road and religious worship.
In Montjovet, along the western slope overlooking the modern SS26, evident traces of the ancient route can be seen. The roadbed, in chiselled rock, preserves the marks left by the carts that passed through it for centuries. One of the most striking details is a furrow more than 45 metres long, which runs parallel to a stone quay, testifying to the intensity of the passage of men, animals and goods. This section reveals not only the continuous use of the road, but also the Romans' ability to adapt to the local geological context, combining living rock and large polished stones to create a stable and durable surface.
Another unique feature of the Via delle Gallie is its functional organisation. Along the route, secondary roads branched off to hamlets such as Balmas and Torto, a sign of an intensely inhabited and connected territory. The road was not only a military infrastructure but also a vital artery for trade, with goods of all kinds passing through the valley, from wine to oil and minerals extracted from the mountains.
The Via delle Gallie is a place that invites one to reflect on the past and the importance of communication routes for the development of civilisations. Visiting it, one can immerse oneself in an atmosphere that evokes the everyday life of those who, over two thousand years ago, travelled these paths to trade, explore or defend the borders of the Empire. Montjovet, with its unique panorama and traces of the past, offers a valuable opportunity to understand the intertwining of nature and history, stimulating curiosity and interest in an era that shaped the modern world.