Arch of Augustus, Aosta, Italy

The Arch of Augustus was erected in 25 BC on the occasion of the Roman victory over the Salassi and was the work of Aulus Terentius Varro Murena.

Constructed from conglomerate, the arch has a single vault, with a height to the keystone of 11.4 metres. Its span is a barrel vault, constituting an extension in width of a round arch. In the monument, various styles can be recognised: The ten engaged columns which decorate its facade and its sides culminate in Corinthian capitals, while the entablature, adorned with metopes and triglyphs, is of the Doric order.

During the twelfth century, the arch contained the home of a local noble family and in 1318 a small fortification was built inside it, designed for a corps of crossbowmen. In 1716, because of the numerous leaks that were compromising the integrity of the monument, the attic that previously crowned the arch was replaced with a slate roof.

The arch's modern appearance is the result of a final intervention for restoration and consolidation which occurred in 1912 under the direction of Ernesto Schiaparelli.

The wooden crucifix displayed below the vault is a copy of the one which was placed there in 1449 as a votive offering against the flooding of the river Buthier, which flows a little to the east. The original crucifix is now housed in the Museum of Aosta Cathedral's Treasures.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Martin (2 years ago)
I was surprised how many old Roman monuments are in this mountain city. Arco di Augusto is only one of them.

Howard Jarvis (2 years ago)
Make your own unique shadows across this magnificent historical gate

Riccardo Testoni (2 years ago)
Impressive, well kept and leads you to the city center. Nice plaques commemorating it and explainimg the history.

Thats Me (2 years ago)
Lots of school children from school trip to this very historical place. It borders with Switzerland and there are some fantastic views in this valley. The main street is charming with a variety of fancy shops. Great day out.

Michael Fasse (3 years ago)
We were on a bus tour to this stop. The area is full of history, and not far from here is a street of shops and resturants. It was pleasant to walk around.

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