A Delightful Medieval Town Nestled in the Italian Alps Provides a Unique, Fairy-tale-like European Vacation experience
Nestled in the picturesque Aosta Valley region of northwestern Italy, the small, charming town of Lillianes offers a unique blend of ancient history, medieval and alpine architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. Situated near the borders with France and Switzerland, Lillianes is surrounded by the Lower Lys Valley and the Lys River, providing a serene and idyllic setting for tourists seeking relaxation, communion with nature, history, and a touch of fairytale magic.
### A Rich History
The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with the first settlers being Celtic-Ligurian tribes. During the Middle Ages, Lillianes played a crucial role as part of a trade route between Italy and Switzerland, particularly for merchants crossing the Great St Bernard Pass. A notable prehistoric site near Lillianes is Plan des Sorcières, dating back to around 4800 BC, where large boulders bear carvings believed to depict the Pleiades constellation as seen over 5,000 years ago.
### Architectural Gems
Lillianes showcases traditional alpine architecture, with buildings primarily constructed from natural stone. A highlight is a 1700s four-arched stone bridge spanning the Lys River, leading to the Saint Roch Parish Church. The church itself dates from the 17th century, with its bell tower originating from the Medieval period. These structures showcase a blend of medieval and alpine architectural styles, reflecting the town's long history and mountain environment.
### Exploring Lillianes and the Aosta Valley
Lillianes can be reached from Milan, Italy's second-largest international airport, which has direct flights to over 200 destinations around the globe. Once in the region, moving between small villages like Lillianes can be done by local roads and hiking paths, facilitating exploration of the natural and historical sites nearby. The region is well-suited for hiking and outdoor activities, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy nature and trekking. It is about an hour from the Gran Paradiso National Park, a major attraction for hikers.
For reaching the Aosta Valley itself, travelers may use roadways connected to broader Italian and European networks, given its proximity to France and Switzerland. Public transport or rented vehicles are practical options to reach this remote alpine locale. The quickest way to reach Lillianes from Milan is by renting a car, with travel time being just under two hours and daily rental rates around $30. Alternatively, you can take a train from Milan to Biella and then hire a cab the rest of the way, which takes just over three hours and costs under a hundred dollars.
### Accommodation Options
Ostello Ou Crierel is a small hostel in Lillianes offering shared dorm rooms, double rooms, and family rooms, with dormitory rooms starting at $40 per night. Private rooms at Ostello Ou Crierel cost around $90 per night, and apartment options can be found on AirBnb. If you're willing to stay outside of town, there are plenty of inns, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses with prices starting around $100 per night.
In summary, Lillianes offers a unique blend of ancient history, medieval and alpine architecture, and stunning natural landscapes, making it an excellent small-town getaway in the Italian Alps. Its accessibility via scenic routes and closeness to hiking destinations make it a great base for exploring the Aosta Valley.
Embarking on a solo travel journey, one can immerse themselves in the unique and idyllic lifestyle of Lillianes, a picturesque town in the Aosta Valley of Italy. Along with its serene setting and medieval architecture, Lillianes presents ample opportunities for exploring ancient history and communing with nature.
