Valle D'Aosta, located in Northwest Italy, rates as one of the most scenic regions of the country. Set amid magnificent mountain scenery at the foothills of Mont Blanc and surrounded by the highest summits of the Alps -- the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso --the valley was once a part of the French-speaking principality of Savoy and enjoyed the influences of both sides of the Alpine divide. Even today, French and dialectal variants are still spoken in Italy's smallest region.

It was only in the 16th century under Duke Emanuele Filiberto that the Aosta Valley region was brought under the Italian influences. The vestiges of ancient times are still to be found in the castles and the cluster of chapels around the foothills of the Alps.

Originally, Aosta castles were designed to be defensive castle/fortresses built by medieval lords who ruled ruthlessly and needed to protect their tiny domain. Also towers of Monmayer and nearby Ussel served as symbols of strength and watchfulness against menacing kingdoms. In one form or another as many as seventy of these castles survive today. They stretch from Aosta to Pont St. Martin.

Fenis and Verres were not only important military outposts but also examples of palatial grandeur. Issogne also showcases elaborate frescoes, loggias, and fountains.

Easily recognizable is the triangular peak of Monte Cervino (the Matterhorn). Below the mountain lies a scattering of quaint villages like Antey-St. Andre and the resort of Breuil-Cervenia. This entire area is a stunning paradise for skiers and hikers alike.

The town of Aosta, which is the capital of the region and was captured by the Romans from the Gauls in 25 BC, provides a mixture of ancient culture and rich scenery. Aosta is still dotted with Roman architecture built in honor of Emperor Augustus. The town was once called Augusta Praetoria and over the centuries transformed into Aosta. During that transformation, the Dukes of Aosta added towers to the old Roman walls.

It's an entirely different look today with Aosta with its local industries, sprawling suburbs and tourists coming and going from the mountains. Today, the region's tourist industry contributes almost 40% to the region's income and employs approximately 12,000 people. Tourism is so important to the region that in recent years, improvements to its ski runs and lifts have been improved, and a single regional ski-pass, which allows visitors to ski at any of the region's resorts, large and small, with a single ticket, has become available.

The relatively modest shrine to St. John the Baptist was first built in the 13th century, but has been altered several times. East of the town is a medieval complex of church buildings and one, Sant'Orso bears the 11th century crypt and tomb of St. Orso, the patron saint of Aosta.

Each year, at the end of January, the traditional Fair of Saint Orso is held in Aosta. The two-day fair, which was initially set up to encourage trade amongst craftsmen attracts artisans from throughout the region. Woodworkers and wood artists, sculptors, quilters and potters from all over the Valley bring their products to sell at the fair. Everything from fine lace to wooden agricultural tools is sold, while the region's specialty dishes are served in the area restaurants.

And yet despite the modern times and changes, Aosta, because of its many treasures, is nicknamed the "Rome of the Alps."

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