Unité des Communes Mont-Rose Pont-Saint-Martin

at the 'entrance to the Aosta Valley the village of the "devil's bridge"

Pont-Saint-Martin: A Journey in Time Through the Roman Bridge Discover Pont-Saint-Martin, the first town at the entrance to the Aosta Valley from Piedmont, famous for its ancient stone bridge built by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Pont-Saint-Martin is a picturesque town located at the entrance to the Aosta Valley when arriving from Piedmont.
What makes it unique is its famous stone bridge, an extraordinary work built by the Romans in the 1st century BC. This municipality is a true journey through time, rich in history and charm.
The Roman Bridge: The jewel of Pont-Saint-Martin is undoubtedly its Roman bridge, one of the few still standing and perfectly preserved.
This majestic stone structure spans the Lys River and is an outstanding example of Roman engineering.
Visitors can admire the architecture and solidity of this historic marvel, which is a tangible link to the past.
History and Culture: Pont-Saint-Martin boasts a rich and fascinating history, which can be explored through its museums and historical monuments.
The Roman Bridge Museum is a must-see place to discover the history of the bridge construction and the historical context of the Roman era.
In addition, the town’s historic center is dotted with ancient buildings, each with its own story to tell.
Nature and Landscapes: Despite its historical notoriety, Pont-Saint-Martin also offers spectacular natural landscapes.
The surrounding area is characterized by rolling green hills, making it an ideal place for walking and hiking.
The Lys River offers opportunities for activities such as fishing and kayaking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
The community of Pont-Saint-Martin is proud of its local culture and traditions.
Throughout the year, there are festivals and events that celebrate the music, art, and cuisine of the Aosta Valley.
Attending these events is an extraordinary way to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the place and interact with the locals.
Pont-Saint-Martin is a destination that allows you to travel back in time through its magnificent Roman bridge and explore a rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you are passionate about ancient history or simply want to enjoy the beauty of an alpine commune, Pont-Saint-Martin is a place not to be missed.
Plan your visit to Pont-Saint-Martin to cross the Roman bridge and immerse yourself in the history of this charming municipality at the entrance to the Aosta Valley.

Population

3542

Inhabitants name

IT: Ponsammartinesi FR: Saint-Martinois

Altitude

350 m o.s.l.

Hamlets

Bois-dessous, Bois de Chavanne, Boschetto, Bousc Daré, Champ da Las, Chapret, Château, Chopon, Colombera, Corney, Diana, Fabiole, Fontaney, Ivéry, Liscoz, Magnin, Nadir, Nazareth, Perruchon, Ronc, Ronc-Grangia, Ronches, Saint-Roch, Sarus, Schigliatta, Stigliano, Suzey, Thuet, Valeille, Vietti, Vignollet.

Vedile tutte

Leggi meno

Patron Saint

San Lorenzo

Twin Cities

Distance from Aosta

51.7 Km

Coordinates

45.594928, 7.798357

Castello Baraing – comune.pontsaintmartin.ao

Pont-Saint-Martin The History

Pont Saint Martin has a history dating back to the time of the Salassians and Romans, serving an important transit and communication function between the valley and the rest of northern Italy.
In fact In this town in the southeastern part of the Aosta Valley, the ingenuity and foresight of the Romans can still be seen in the bridge that crosses the Lys stream, and which gives the town its name, probably built around the end of the first century BC. After the collapse of the Roman Empire , Pont saint Martin suffered invasion and occupation by Burgundians, Ostrogoths and Lombards, before being annexed to the kingdom of the Franks (575) and later to the Comitatus of the Aosta Valley (10th century).
It then belonged to the Saint-Martins, a branch of the noble family of the Bard and vassals of the Savoy.
After the Saint Martins, the Vallaise took over until it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy (1861).
The toponym, which was Ponte San Martino from 1929 to 1946, is connected to a fortification erected in the 11th century by William of Bard and passed, the following century, to William, progenitor of the lords of Saint-Martin.
Small curiosity, pont saint Martin was the protagonist during World War II of a heavy bombing.
Precisely on August 23, 1944.
As many as 130 people lost their lives under the American bombs, taken by surprise by a totally unexpected air raid.
The old town came out devastated, the houses smoking, and the search for the wounded and dead went on for days.
Ironically, St. Martin's Bridge, one of the real targets of the bombs, remained standing.
Since that distant day, while never forgetting its innocent victims, the town has slowly begun to live again, now as then, around the thousand-year-old Roman bridge.
The victims are honored annually with a church service and concert.

Whato do in Pont-Saint-Martin

What to do in Pont-Saint-Martin

Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the nearby Lys Valley (Gressoney) and visiting the wonders along the central axis of the Aosta Valley, with the possibility of ascending the side valleys.
Pont-Saint-Martin also offers hiking opportunities, with the Balteo Trail starting and ending in the municipality, allowing the historical and cultural heritage of the region to be discovered at medium-low altitudes year-round.

Pont-Saint-Martin January 18, 2025

12.63° Expect a day of partly cloudy with clear spells

Sun