The Roman cryptoporticus of Aosta

Next to the cathedral, you go down from Piazza Giovanni XXIII into the cool half-light of a great vaulted gallery. This is the cryptoporticus, built in the age of Augustus, soon after the founding of Augusta Prætoria. It was part of the forum, the Roman town’s main public square.

A U-shaped plan: three double galleries

The cryptoporticus is made up of three double galleries arranged in a U. They enclosed on three sides the terrace of the forum’s sacred area, where two temples stood: one for the cult of the emperor, the other for Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. The longest gallery is nearly 90 metres long.

What were the galleries for?

Their exact purpose is still debated. They probably supported the temples’ porticoes and the forum terrace. Other ideas include a cool store for food, or a covered walkway sheltered from rain and sun.

Roman concrete and travertine: a major building site

The work was part of the great building programme when the town was founded; neither architects nor builders are known. The walls are opus caementicium, a mix of mortar and stones, the forerunner of concrete. The barrel vaults are strengthened by travertine arches. Small openings high in the walls let in light and air.

Unearthed: rediscovered in the 19th century

For centuries the galleries lay buried beneath the town. Rediscovered in the 19th century, excavated and restored, they are now open to the public. It is the only part of the forum that can still be visited.

Roman cryptoporticus of Aosta
Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII
11100 Aosta (AO)
Tel.: (+39) 335 798 1505
Open daily 9 am–7 pm (check before visiting)

Source: Italia.it, Aosta città romana.