Stage 14
Aosta > Pila (Gressan)
The Aosta Valley, setting of the entire 14th stage of the Giro, immediately evokes the image of great mountains.
Aosta
The Aosta Valley, setting of the entire 14th stage of the Giro, immediately evokes the image of great mountains. And naturally, the riders and spectators alike can expect a day filled with climbs. Yet the route also offers the opportunity to discover much more. This fraction begins in Aosta, ancient Augusta Praetoria, once known as the “Rome of the Alps” because of its magnificence and strategic importance. Exploring this ancient world - still remarkably visible and deeply evocative - is truly worthwhile. Roman times are reflected in the Arch of Augustus, Porta Praetoria, the imposing Roman Theatre, the atmospheric Cryptoporticus, and the bridge over the Buthier. One can travel even further back in time by visiting the megalithic area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans, home to remains dating from 3000 to 1100 BC. More recent landmarks include the Sant’Orso complex, with its collegiate church and Romanesque cloister, and the cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and San Giovanni Battista. Then it is time to relax in Piazza Chanoux, the city’s monumental living room, before the stage begins. The climb toward Saint-Barthélemy offers close-up views of vineyards clinging to the mountainsides, which have made this small region a paradise for lovers of quality wine. Rows of vines and terraces carved out with enormous effort require equally demanding maintenance, so much so that this is rightly known as heroic viticulture. After a stop at the Lignan Astronomical Observatory, the route descends once again through vineyards toward Nus, where the remains of Pilate’s Castle stand out. According to legend, Pontius Pilate stayed there while traveling toward exile in Gaul after condemning Jesus.
Pila
The long climb through Valpelline and the subsequent ascent toward Verrogne reveal quiet villages of remarkable beauty, while also offering privileged viewpoints over La Grivola, Monte Emilius, and the Gran Paradiso massif. At the end of the following descent, attention shifts to the castles: Sarre, Sarriod de La Tour, Saint-Pierre - home to an important Museum of Natural Sciences - and finally Aymavilles, the unmistakable Renaissance manor with cylindrical towers, recently restored and reopened to the public.
Pila is well known among cycling enthusiasts thanks to the renowned Pila Bike Park, internationally recognized for its trails winding through forests and open slopes, alongside dedicated areas for e-bikes, cross-country riding, and technical training. A pleasant short walk also leads to Lake Chamolé, surrounded by alpine pastures, near which stands the Cristo di Chamolé, both a panoramic viewpoint and a spiritual landmark. Another option not to overlook is reaching Pila by cable car directly from Aosta, avoiding traffic and parking difficulties at altitude.
