The small town of Martigny lies within the Canton Valais on the floor of the Rhone River valley, at the point where the river makes a sharp change of course from its otherwise straight flow from the source at the Rhone Glacier ice face. This alteration follows the steep valley on its journey north where the river eventually flows into Lake Geneva, leaving behind it this town of 15,000 which lies at a natural crossroads for travelers leaving Switzerland to France and Italy. France is accessible via the Col de la Forclaz (1527 metres) to Chamonix, and Italy is accessible via the Col du St Bernard Pass (2469 metres) to Aosta.
Martigny claims two major attractions, one is the unique annual Cowfighting Championships held in October in the renovated Roman amphitheatre, and the other is the Foundation Pierre Gianadda, one of the country’s most prestigious art galleries. There are others things though, such as the Roman ruins, the St. Bernard Dog Mueum, the 13th century castle and tavern of the Chateau de la Batiaz and the Pont de la Batiaz, a wooden bridge which was renovated in the 19th century.
Martigny was already an important trading centre before the Romans decided to build a city and raise its status of be the capital of the Pennine Alps, naming it Claudii Vallensium. Today all that remains are a small number of ruins, such as the amphitheatre, the citizen’s residence, the Temenos, the Sanctuary of Mithra and the ruins of what is thought to be the first Christian Cathedral which lies in the basement of the Parish Church.
Just out of town though there are things to see such as the historic Bex Salt Mines, operated since 1684, or maybe the Abbey of St Maurice established in the 6th century. A quick half hours drive from town will take you to the magnificent Chateau de Chillon on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreaux, or up the Val de Bagnes and the ski resort of Verbier and its awesome scenery!!
Being located in such a central position one of Martigny best assets is its good location which makes it easy to enjoy the beautiful Rhone Valley and its surrounding mountains!!
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