Situated between the woods of Mont-Chemin and a slope of terraced vineyards, the city of Martigny was already well known in Roman times as a major trading centre. Various remains of Roman Gaul still provide evidence of the past, in particular the amphitheatre. Dominated by the Bâtiaz Tower, a 13th century fortress, the modern city is built on a sharp bend in the River Rhone, around old districts of notable interest. Martigny today is a cultural capital which, among other things, boasts forty sculptures, from Rodin to Henry Moore. Works by Swiss artists decorate the streets and roundabouts, while exhibits by prestigious international artists can be seen in the sculpture park of the Pierre Gianadda Foundation.
To discover the historic centre's art attractions, three cultural walks have been arranged to explore its contemporary art, starting from the Pierre Gianadda Foundation. Each walk ends at the Pierre Gianadda Foundation. As well as the Museum of Roman Gaul, the Car Museum, the Leonardo da Vinci area and the Franck exhibition, you can also visit the sculpture park (including Rodin, Maillol, Ernst, Miró, Niki de Saint Phalle, etc.) spanning the sculptural art of the 20th century.
