Aosta Cathedral
Our Lady of the Assumption, between 11th-century frescoes and Gothic vaults
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption stands on Piazza Giovanni XXIII, very close to the Roman cryptoporticus. There has been a church on this spot since the 4th century. The present building combines parts from several periods, from Romanesque to Baroque, with restorations up to the present day.
Layers of history
Each century has left its mark. The two Romanesque bell towers recall the medieval church. The vaults of the nave are Gothic. Other alterations followed, down to the Baroque decoration. You can read these stages by walking round the building and then going inside.
What to see in the church
- The Romanesque bell towers, visible from afar above the rooftops of the old town.
- The Gothic vaults that cover the nave.
- The Baroque high altar, a large work in marble.
- The carved wooden choir stalls, where the canons sat during services.
- The frescoes, sculptures and stained-glass windows, found throughout the building.
Under the roof, the treasury and the cloister
Three parts are visited separately. In the roof space, above the vaults, you can see frescoes from the Ottonian period, painted in the 11th century. The Treasury Museum brings together objects of sacred art. The cloister is next to the church.
Opening times
Cathedral: open every day, 8 am–12 noon and 3 pm–7 pm.
Guided tours (Ottonian frescoes under the roof, Treasury Museum, cloister): Saturdays and Sundays, 3 pm–5.30 pm.
Treasury Museum: can be visited during the cathedral’s opening hours by asking the custodian.
Ottonian frescoes: for opening days and times, contact the Aosta tourist office, tel. (+39) 0165 236627.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
Piazza Giovanni XXIII
11100 AOSTA
