Unité des Communes Mont-Émilius Gressan

Although there are no certain historical findings ascertaining the first human settlements in the Neolithic period, some evidence may suggest that humans did indeed settle there. The first settlements in the Aosta Valley, in fact, were certainly located in safe, protected places near waterways. Gressan has, indeed, always been conducive to human settlements, and in fact human traces from that period have been found right near the megalithic area of Saint Martin de Corléans, precisely between Moline and Clapey, thanks in part to the privileged location of the municipality surrounded by forests rich in animals. Unfortunately, we know nothing about these primitive populations. However, we do have some news related to the Salassi, a population of Celtic origin. From the 2nd century B.C., the Salassians were always in conflict with the Romans, who particularly aspired to control the Alpine hills. After numerous clashes the Salassi were finally defeated and subdued by the Romans who founded, in 25 B .C , the city of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum in honor of the Emperor Augustus. The Salassians did not come to a good end. They were deported and reduced to a situation of slavery, their lands were confiscated and assigned to the Praetorian elders causing the birth of the various agricultural funds that were named after the owner and that we still see today: Fundus Grattiani or Gracciani (Gressan), Fundus Joventiani (Jovençan) Fundus Calventianis (Charvensod) Fundus Polleni (Pollein), Fundus Portiani (Porossan ). After the victory, the Romans organized the territory into centurio by appropriating the best lands and communication routes, which became major elements in the organization of the territory. Many Roman remains have been discovered that ascertain a strong Roman presence in the Gressan plain, particularly remains of numerous rustic villas that are given to us thanks to the discovery of seven tombstones dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. These bear the inscriptions of the noble families who lived in Gressan: gens Auruntia, gens Avili, and the gens Iulia. From the studies reported we therefore understand that throughout the Roman era, the territory of Gressan was of great importance because it supplied agricultural products and raw materials to the city of Aosta, where flourishing craft and commercial activities developed. Continuing along the timeline we come to the Middle Ages. During the medieval period, the Aosta Valley became a border region between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire. Gressan and other towns in the area were often involved in conflicts and changes of sovereignty. Over the centuries, the territory came under the control of local lords and then the House of Savoy, which in the 15th century, annexed Gressan and the entire Aosta Valley into the Duchy of Savoy. During the 20th century, the Aosta Valley, including Gressan, experienced significant modernization and development. The area became a popular tourist destination for mountain and winter sports enthusiasts due to its location near the Alps. Gressan, like many other Aosta Valley communities, still retains a strong cultural and historical identity, with a rich tradition of food, language, and folklore. Indeed, evidence of this history is reflected in its buildings, such as churches, ruins, and castles. The town has retained its medieval charm, with cobbled streets and traditional architecture. No doubt the local community is also committed to the preservation of the region's architectural and cultural heritage.