Arch of Augustus (Aosta)

The Arch of Augustus (in French Arc d'Auguste) is a monument in the city of Aosta. She was born in 25 BC. Built by Aulus Terenzio Varro Murena on the occasion of the Roman victory over the Salassi. It is located on the axis with the Decumanus Maximus, not far from the Bourg Saint-Ours (district of the collegiate church of Sant'Orso) and the eastern entrance to the city walls (the Porta Prætoria). The arch, built from conglomerate blocks, has a single arch 11.40 meters high under the keystone. Its fornix has a barrel vault, which consists of the longitudinal extension of a round arch. Different styles can be recognized on the monument: the ten half-columns that decorate the facades and sides culminate in Corinthian capitals, while the entablature, decorated with metopes and triglyphs, is of Doric style. In the Middle Ages it was called Saint-Voût (French for “Holy Face”), after an image of the Savior placed there; also called the “Holy Vow” (Saint-Vout), since the monument was also part of processions aimed at asking for intercession or giving thanks for a danger that had been averted, for example on the occasion of the frequent floods of the nearby Buthier Torrent. In the 12th century the arch housed the residence of a local noble family and in 1318 a small fortress was built within it for the crossbow corps. In 1716, due to the numerous infiltrations that compromised the integrity of the monument, the attic that once crowned it was replaced with a slate roof. The current appearance is the result of the last restoration and consolidation measures carried out in 1912 by the superintendent Ernesto Schiaparelli. The wooden crucifix displayed under the vault is a copy of the crucifix that was placed there in 1449 as a votive offering against the floods of the Buthier stream, which flows directly to the east. The original crucifix is now kept in the Treasure Museum of Aosta Cathedral.
Source: touristofficeapp.com/it/aosta/punti-di-interest/arco-di-augusto

Status: August 24, 2024:
The Arch of Augustus is currently being restored and is completely scaffolded.

Ancient stone arch built around 25 BC. to celebrate the victory of Augustus over the Salassi