Martigny, Switzerland
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Martigny is a small city in Switzerland, located in the canton of Valais at an elevation of 475 meters. Its population is of approximately 15 000 inhabitants (Martignerains or "Octoduriens"). Martigny is located at a crossroad between Italy, France and Switzerland, one road linking this town over the Great St Bernard Pass to Aosta (Italy), and the other one, over the "col du Trient" to Chamonix (France). In winter, Martigny is appreciated for its nearby ski resorts like Verbier.
History
Oppidum or vicus were the earliest Celtic tribes of Véragres under the name of Octodure, which supplied Martigny's ancient name of Octodurus. It was the theatre of the battle of Octodurus in 56 BC. Between the second legion which was commanded by the Roman Servius Galba and the Véragres allied with the Sédunes and Nantuates.
The region joined the Roman Empire. In 47, Emperor Claudius founded Forum Claudii Augusti, later renamed Forum Claudii Vallensium to avoid confusion with an other city that was dear to him. Octodurus was the principal town of the area until the displacement of the episcopal see to Sion in the 4th century.
The Romans left many archaeological remains. The city is known for its amphitheatre, which was restored in 1978. Cow fights are held in the amphitheatre during early autumn for the "Comptoir". The city is also famous for its museum, the Pierre Gianadda Foundation, built on top of Roman ruins. The foundation hosts three painting exhibitions every year, with works by renowned masters. It also has a permanent automobile and Gallo-Roman exhibitions.
The area has some apricot orchards and vines on steep slopes which drain into the Dranse (an affluent of the Rhône River) west of the city.
External links
- Martigny Homepage (in French and English) (http://www.martigny.ch/)
- Cow fights - Les vaches d'Hérens (in French) (http://www.objectifreussir.ch/fr/cadre_repertoire/tourisme/Combats_Reines/combats_reines.html)
- Pierre Gianadda Foundation (in French and English) (http://www.gianadda.ch/)de:Martigny VS