Charvensod: Nature Trails, Mountain Destinations and Culture

Nature Trails and Hiking Destinations

The On Air: a Sensory Experience project created three experience-oriented trails connected by the shared theme of observing nature. The installations along the On-Air trails include a sound telescope that amplifies the sounds of nature, viewing seats at panoramic points, and frame installations for observing the landscape and taking photographs.

The Eremo di San Grato is a white chapel surrounded by meadows at the edge of the forest at an altitude of 1,772 metres. San Grato was a bishop and patron saint of the Diocese of Aosta and lived in the 5th century AD. The first documentary records of the Eremo di San Grato date back to the 13th century.

From the Church of Santa Colomba in Charvensod, the Eremo di San Grato can be reached via the forest path on Trail 102 in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, with an elevation gain of 900 metres. The hike from Pont-Suaz to the Eremo di San Grato from Charvensod involves more than 1,200 metres of elevation gain and almost 6 kilometres.

The Aymavilles–Aosta section of the Cammino Balteo runs between Aymavilles, Jovençan, Gressan and Charvensod. At the edge of the forest, it passes through orchards and vineyards. The Ponteille plain overlooks the Comboé Valley. In Charvensod, cycling tourism is possible both on the paved road towards Pilaz and on a cycling and walking path accessible from the Pont-Suaz sports area.

Sacred Art and Historic Sites

The parish church of Santa Colomba has a gilded and carved main altar probably dating from the 18th century. Two side altars, also probably from the same period, are dedicated to the Rosary and Saint Anthony. Other significant works of sacred art include a reliquary made of silver-plated and gilded copper and a processional cross made of silver sheet, both dating from the 15th century.

Today, remains of the enclosing wall and a round tower of Castello di Charvensod are visible near the parish church of Santa Colomba; the complex has fallen into ruin. The Roncas Palace is located in the vicinity of Charvensod. The nearby area of Charvensod also includes the Teatro Romano di Aosta as a historic site and the Criptoportico Forense monument.

Mountain Landscape and Regional Destinations

The natural arch Arco D'Augusto is located in the vicinity of Charvensod. The mountain Becca di Nona is located in the vicinity of Charvensod. The mountain Pointe de la Pierre is located in the area surrounding Charvensod. The summit Punta Rossa is located in the area surrounding Charvensod. Castello di Fenis is located in the area surrounding Charvensod.

Etétrad is a summer series of traditional music events featuring musicians and singers from around the world. The western ridge of Mont Emilius is a via ferrata and also a historic mountaineering route to the summit of Mont Emilius. Mont Emilius towers over the city at an altitude of more than 3,500 metres.

Further destinations: Saint-Oyen, Saint Pierre, Cogne, Verrand, Bard, Châtillon, Issime, Aymavilles

For the broader travel overview: Aosta Valley.