![]() Today it retains its medieval layout and the precious 15th and 16th century residential buildings are extremely well-preserved.Īrt historians have classified approximately 25 distinctive archaeological details including crossed and mullioned bifore (windows with 2 lights), frescoes, and a stone spiral staircase with steps that open out like a fan around the viret central axis. THE VILLAGE TODAYīard is a typical thoroughfare village born along the Roman consular road. Thankfully, the buildings of great historical value were saved from modern day contamination and abuse, maintaining therefore a spirit of the past that never fails to fascinate the visitor. Consequently the village became progressively isolated and went into steady decline. ![]() In 1856 works began on a new carriageway (the present day state road, SS.26) and on its completion in 1862 all traffic in and out of Valle d’Aosta was redirected along the new route. It was only in 1783, under Savoy rule, that the levying of “gateway” tolls was finally abolished. Hence, we know that all kinds of luxury and exotic goods passed through Bard including salt, silk and spices as well as animals and birds such as sparrowhawks, falcons, monkeys and several breeds of horses. All merchandize, including animals, were scrupulously taxed and catalogued. Most of the buildings were constructed upon ancient Roman walls (still visible today in many of the cellars) forming the support base of the road.ĭeep under the habitation runs the ancient Furiana canal which flows into the Dora River a refluent water drainage system created by the Romans and still in use today.Īs the only way in and out of Valle d’Aosta was through Bard, the village very quickly became wealthy thanks to the ceaseless traffic, commerce and the collection of tolls. We know for certain, however, that during the Napoleonic seige of 1800 both gateways were equipped with drawbridges. ![]() Very little trace remains of the east gateway but the west gateway still survives today and corresponds to the arch of Palazzo Nicole. It is highly likely that the village was originally enclosed by a defence wall and accessed by two gateways, one in the east and the other in the west. There is a harmonious bond between the birth of this medieval village and the defence system erected along the immense rocky spur at the top of which there once stood a castle. ![]()
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