Pont-Saint-Martin: Bridge, Castles and Nature in the Aosta Valley

Bridge, History and Gateway to the Aosta Valley

Pont-Saint-Martin combines a striking historic structure with a varied surrounding area. With its monumental Roman bridge, the town marks the entrance to the Aosta Valley and the beginning of the Cammino Balteo. When choosing a hotel in Pont-Saint-Martin, the Roman bridge, the Stagno di Holay wetland and the beginning of the Cammino Balteo can be considered as geographical points of reference.

Practical Orientation on Site

The regional tourist office of Pont-Saint-Martin is located a few metres from the motorway exit on State Road 26. There is a car park and an accessible ramp there. The office also sells hiking maps of the Valle d'Aosta as well as guidebooks for the Via Francigena and the Cammino Balteo. These materials can support orientation when planning your own excursions.

Roman Bridge, Castle and Commemorative Heritage

The Museo del Ponte Romano displays photographs, drawings and documents about the materials and construction techniques of the bridge. The exhibition also covers its legends, its restoration in the 19th century and the Allied bombing in August 1944. Another historical highlight is Castello Baraing: the Neo-Gothic castle was built between 1883 and 1893 on a rocky outcrop above the historic centre of Pont-Saint-Martin.

The Chiesa di Fontaney also offers specific architectural and artistic points of interest. It has three naves, while the interior paintings are dated to 1726. In the Casaforte l' Castel, the Museo della Memoria presents an exhibition about the dramatic days of August 1944. In Pont-Saint-Martin, you can thus encounter different forms of remembrance, ranging from architectural history and religious art to the local past of the 20th century.

Wetland and Hiking Trail

The Stagno di Holay nature reserve is a protected wetland covering 1.5 hectares. It was established in 1994 at an altitude of 750 to 790 metres in Pont-Saint-Martin. The Ponte Romano – Riserva Naturale di Holay – Castello di Suzey hiking trail offers a specific connection between natural and cultural themes. It leads from Piazza IV Novembre along a mule track through Ivery to the Holay wetland and onwards to the ruins of Castello di Suzey.

Castello di Suzey is a castle in the immediate vicinity of Pont-Saint-Martin. The Museo delle Alpi Nel Forte is also located in the immediate vicinity. Castello di Montestrutto is situated in the area around Pont-Saint-Martin, while Forte di Bard lies nearby as a fortress.

Mountains in the Immediate Vicinity

Monte d'Arpille is a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Pont-Saint-Martin. Bec di Nona and Bec Renon are also located in the immediate vicinity of Pont-Saint-Martin and are mountains.

Further destinations in the same region: Saint Vincent, Champdepraz, Fénis Ao, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Epinel, Torgnon, Verrand and Pontboset.

For the higher-level travel overview: Aosta Valley.