Archaeological Area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans

Archaeological Area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans

Valle d'Aosta

75/10090 min

The Archaeological Area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans, located in the Aosta Valley's Saint-Martin-de-Corléans district, is home to the MegaMuseo – Museo Archeologico Contemporaneo, the largest covered archaeological site in Europe. Spanning 12,000 square meters with an exhibition of over 2,000 artifacts, it offers an immersive journey through Aosta's ancient past, from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The museum uniquely integrates 5,000 square meters of the archaeological site with its exhibit path, allowing visitors to witness millennia of transformations in this historically rich area. The site was originally a village situated between Aosta and Chésallet, later becoming a suburb and eventually a district of Aosta city. The museum provides multilingual audioguides catering to adults, children, and musical experiences, enhancing visitor engagement. Its collection includes artifacts that reveal the area's evolution and cultural significance, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike.

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Tip: Visit between late spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and full opening hours. Purchase combined tickets for "Aosta Archeologica" to access multiple sites at a reduced rate. Download the free audioguide available in Italian, French, and English before your visit. Public transport lines 3 and 8 serve the site, and parking is available nearby. Note the museum is closed on Mondays and December 25th.

Interesting facts

  • The Archaeological Area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans is home to the largest covered archaeological site in Europe, covering 5,000 square meters.
  • The MegaMuseo spans 12,000 square meters with over 2,000 exhibited artifacts.
  • Audioguides are available in Italian, French, and English, including specialized routes for children and musical experiences.
  • The site traces human activity from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages within the same location.

History

Saint-Martin-de-Corléans started as an ancient village located between Aosta and Chésallet.

Over time, especially in the 20th century, it evolved into a suburb and then a district of Aosta, influenced by demographic changes and migration from southern Italy.

The archaeological area preserves evidence of human settlement spanning from prehistoric eras through the Middle Ages.

The MegaMuseo was established to protect and showcase this heritage, creating Europe's largest covered archaeological site, reflecting the area's continuous human presence and cultural development over millennia.

Place Guide

1
Covered Archaeological Site

This is the largest covered archaeological area in Europe, spanning 5,000 square meters. Visitors can explore remains spanning from prehistoric settlements to medieval times, witnessing the continuous human occupation of the region.

2
MegaMuseo Exhibition Halls

The museum's exhibition covers 12,000 square meters and displays over 2,000 objects that narrate the history of Aosta from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The exhibits highlight the area's cultural transformations and archaeological discoveries.

Contact

Map