Unique Experiences and Events in the Alps of the Aosta Valley – Summer 2025

🌌 Discover the Stars at the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley

Located in Italy’s first Starlight Stellar Park and recognized by UNESCO, the 📍Lignan Planetarium and the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley offer immersive shows and night-time guided tours suitable for all ages — a fascinating journey through the universe.

Photo credits: Giovanni Antico e per la fondazione per la Fondazione Clément Fillietroz-ONLUS Andrea Bernagozzi, Nikki Miller, Andrea Vanoni , Mario Borghi Paolo Calcidese

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Matterhorn and the Alps

Departing every morning from 📍Aosta

Photo credits: Enzo Massa Micon e Mongolfiere.it

Soaring in a hot air balloon above the Alps of the Aosta Valley — with views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and Gran Paradiso — is an experience that’s both exhilarating and serene, offering a truly unique sense of freedom.

As you float through the sky, the silence is broken only by the gentle roar of the burner. You can glide low over forests, fields, and quaint villages, or ascend thousands of meters without even noticing — a peaceful journey suspended between earth and sky.

These flights are operated by Charbonnier Mongolfiere, one of Italy’s most renowned ballooning companies, with over 40 years of experience. Flights depart daily, early in the morning, just outside Aosta.

Suitable for both adults and children (minimum height: 130 cm), the flights last approximately one hour and can reach altitudes of up to 3,000 meters, all with the highest standards of safety.

The company holds both an Aerial Work Operator Certificate and an Air Operator Certificate, and relies on a skilled team of pilots, technicians, and consultants to ensure every flight is flawless.

The fleet includes around ten balloons of different sizes, manufactured by Cameron Balloons, a world leader in balloon design. Flying in a hot air balloon gives the sensation of floating on air. While you always know the take-off point, the landing spot depends on the wind — making each flight a unique adventure with no fixed destination.

A breathtaking experience perfect for a holiday, a birthday gift, or even a team-building activity — available for groups ranging from 5 to 35 people.

👉 For availability, reservations, and more information, visit the official website: www.mongolfiere.it

🏛️Roman Aosta and Summer Events: History, Culture, and Entertainment

The top attractions and best events of summer 2025 in 📍Aosta

🏛️ Roman Aosta: Monuments Open All Year Round

The ancient city of Augusta Prætoria, now Aosta, is home to a wealth of archaeological sites open to visitors nearly every day of the year. Highlights include the Early Christian Church of San Lorenzo, the MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum, the Cryptoporticus (underground gallery), and the Megalithic Area.

🎟️ Free admission for all visitors under 18, every day.

MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum
Opened in 2004 and renovated in 2010, the museum is a key institution for Roman archaeology, showcasing artifacts from the ancient city of Augusta Prætoria.

Early Christian Church of San Lorenzo
Located along the Decumanus Maximus, near the Porta Prætoria, this site preserves the remains of an early Christian building dating from the 5th to 8th centuries AD—an important testimony to Aosta’s Christian origins.

Cryptoporticus
Next to the Cathedral in the heart of Aosta lies a garden that hides one of the city’s most fascinating Roman structures: the Cryptoporticus, an underground treasure that reflects the grandeur of this "Rome of the Alps."

Megalithic Area
Situated in the Saint-Martin-de-Corléans district, this is the largest covered megalithic site in Europe. The archaeological area and museum offer a unique journey through thousands of years of local history.

Tickets and Information
Tickets are available at the Roman Theatre, the MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum, and the Aosta Tourist Office (Piazza Porta Prætoria 3). Guided tours must be booked in advance.

🔗 For more details: valledaostaheritage.com

🎭 Summer Events in Aosta: Music, Theatre, and Historical Reenactments

Animæ

A house and minimal techno music performance under the Arch of Augustus—an immersive experience that blends modern sounds with the charm of ancient history.
📅 June 21, 2025 – 9:30 PM

Metamorfosi
A contemporary theatre production inspired by classical themes, set in the enchanting Roman Theatre of Aosta.
📅 July 15, 2025 – 9:00 PM

Richard III
Shakespeare’s gripping drama of power and betrayal brought to life in the magical setting of the Roman Theatre.
📅 July 20, 2025 – 9:00 PM

The Joy of Dancing
A dance performance featuring internationally renowned principal dancers Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko, celebrating the beauty of movement and choreography.
📅 July 25, 2025 – 9:00 PM

VENI VIDI AUGUSTA – Ancient Rome in the Alpine Peaks
A three-day historical reenactment that brings Augusta Praetoria back to life with a Roman military camp near the Roman Theatre. Step into the spirit of Ancient Rome in the heart of the Alps.
📅 August 15–17, 2025

🔗 More info: aostae2025.it

🏰 Castello Gamba: Art and Culture in the Heart of the Aosta Valley

Temporary and permanent exhibitions, plus a beautiful park, await you at Castello Gamba

📍Châtillon.

Castello Gamba is a hidden gem where art, culture, and nature come together in a truly unique setting. Surrounded by a splendid park, the castle is not only a historic landmark, but also a vibrant cultural hub.

Throughout the year, Castello Gamba hosts temporary exhibitions and major cultural events, often focusing on contemporary art and current themes. It's a perfect destination for those seeking inspiration and tranquility.

Among its recent exhibitions, the Castle has paid tribute to influential figures in contemporary art, such as Mario Schifano, with a deep dive into the final decade of his career and the pivotal role played by gallery owner and critic Emilio Mazzoli.

Don’t miss the chance to explore a place where history, nature, and art blend in an evocative and unforgettable experience.

👉 For the latest updates on events and exhibitions, we recommend visiting the official website of Castello Gamba.

🎬 Cinema Under the Stars of the Matterhorn

The Cervino CineMountain is Europe’s highest international mountain film festival, held at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. 📍July 26 – August 2, 2025

The Cervino CineMountain is Europe’s highest international mountain film festival, held at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. It’s one of the most anticipated cultural events of the summer in the Aosta Valley.

Since its first edition in 1998, the mountain has taken center stage — not just as a majestic backdrop, but as a symbol and lens through which to explore timely and relevant themes such as the environment, climate change, adventure, sport, culture, and history.

At the heart of the festival is the Official Competition, which showcases the finest mountain films — winners of the Grand Prix from festivals within the IAMF (International Alliance for Mountain Film) circuit. It is considered the “Oscar of the Mountain Oscars.”

Since its inception, CineMountain has screened more than 1,000 films, representing the very best of national and international mountain cinema.

👉 The 28th edition of Cervino CineMountain will take place from July 26 to August 2, 2025, across Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche, Chamois, and La Magdeleine. The 2025 program is still under wraps — stay tuned on the official website www.cervinocinemountain.com

for updates and announcements.

🎶 Sounds from the World in the Alps

International Festival of New Trad Music: A musical journey that blends tradition and innovation in a stunning mountain setting.

📍 August 26–30, 2025 | Aosta and Fénis

Ététrad is a vibrant summer festival that brings traditional music from around the world to the heart of the Aosta Valley. Over the years, the event has gained growing recognition and artistic acclaim, becoming a must-attend for its originality and cross-cultural appeal.

Now celebrating its 26th edition, the festival features concerts and dance performances, beginning with an opening night in Aosta, and continuing in Fénis, home to one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Europe.

In Fénis, the program includes workshops on instrumental music, singing, and dance, as well as a high-profile international exhibition — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps.

Under the kind watch of Europe’s highest peaks, Ététrad offers an enchanting and welcoming atmosphere where audiences and artists come together through the universal language of music — a gentle hymn to peace and harmony.

👉 The 2025 edition will take place from August 26 to 30. For program updates and full details, keep an eye on the official website: www.etetrad.org