Fontainemore – Foto di Serena S.

Fontainemore - Foto di Serena S.

Unité des Communes Mont-Rose Fontainemore

the village overlooking monte rosa where time has stood still

Fontainemore: A Charming Commune in the Lys Valley Discover Fontainemore, a commune characterized by historic villages and breathtaking landscapes in the Aosta Valley, perfect for lovers of nature and rural culture.
Introduction Fontainemore, located at an altitude of 760 meters in the Lys Valley, is a commune distinguished by its historic villages, where the local rural culture is still alive.
Stone and wooden buildings, frescoed chapels, and ancient mule tracks are evidence of a rich historical and cultural heritage.
History and Culture Fontainemore has a long history related to the emigration of masons, known as “maçons,” who left for France and Switzerland.
The masonry tradition is still celebrated today with the Procession of St. Grato, during which the town’s masons have the honor of carrying the saint’s relics.
The parish church of St. Anthony and the stone bridge over the Lys stream are significant historical landmarks.
Nature and Sports The Mont Mars Nature Reserve, the largest in the Aosta Valley, offers a variety of alpine environments for hikers, trekkers, and cross-country skiers.
The Oropa procession, one of the oldest in the region, is a must-see event for fans of cultural and religious traditions.
Festivals and Traditions In addition to the Oropa Procession, Fontainemore hosts other cultural events that celebrate its historical roots and traditions, such as the “veillà” in the village streets along the Lys.
For the Little Ones, Fontainemore offers several attractions for families, including the Adventure Park, suitable for all ages, and hiking trails that are accessible to even the youngest children.
Fontainemore is an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of history, nature, and culture in a picturesque and authentic mountain setting.

Fontainemore The History

According to tradition, Fontainemore was born thanks to the monk St. Maurus, who in 543, crossing the Barma pass, came from Oropa to a tiny village in the Lys Valley.
Here he went to pray in the small square, from where a vein of water gushed forth.
Therefore he encouraged the people to build a chapel in honor of St. Anthony the Hermit, which in fact happened in the 7th century.
This is how the village was given the name "Fontaine Maur" Fontainemore, to commemorate the saint and the spring.
Another legend, on the other hand, says that the name of the commune comes from the color of this spring, "Fontanamora," meaning "black," because the bottom is covered with dark green algae.
At one time in the chapel of St. Anthony the people gathered to pray, and for many centuries there was a priest who came from time to time to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments.
In the 12th century the Lords of Vallaise made their appearance in the Lys Valley, who exercised their dominion and jurisdiction over the valley until the 18th century, for a period of about six hundred years.
Many documents say that Fontainemore was the chief town of the Vallaise mandament for more than 155 years (from 1592 to 1777).
A small curiosity, in 1678 Jean Pierre Aguettaz, a mason from Fontainemore, donated a thousand scudi so that a school could be founded.
The small town thus had the first public elementary school established in the Aosta Valley.

Whato do in Fontainemore

The Fontainemore area is characterized by several villages that still retain the atmosphere of the local rural culture, with stone and wooden buildings, frescoed chapels and old mule tracks.
In this regard, we recommend a visit to the Ecomuseum, a village museum of itself.
Fontainemore certainly does not forget the Queen of the Aosta Valley, namely nature.
Here you cannot miss the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, a natural area of great value that stretches at the foot of the mountain of the same name.
This reserve is dotted with lakes, streams and peat bogs, offering landscapes of great beauty.
Within the reserve, you will find the Fontainemore Visitor Center, which provides tourist information about the protected area and hosts permanent exhibits on local wildlife and the Oropa Procession, one of the oldest in the region.

Fontainemore September 21, 2024

14.22° Expect a day of partly cloudy with rain


Sun 7°/7°
Mon 8°/8°
Tue 7°/7°
Wed 6°/6°
Thu 7°/7°

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