Saint-Martin-de-Corléans Megalithic Area

Aosta, Italy

The Saint-Martin-de-Corléans Megalithic Area is an archaeological site that is considered of major importance for the study and knowledge of European prehistory and protohistory, located in Aosta, Italy.

The site contains megalith dolmen and cist tombs, oriented alignments of holes in wooden poles and anthropomorphic stele dating back to the Neolithic era through the Bronze Age.

The site was discovered in 1969 during the construction of condominiums. Given the historical significance of the site, the Aosta Valley Regional Government purchased it to ensure protection and proper archaeological excavation. In the early 2000s the Saint-Martin-de-Corléans Archaeological Museum and Park was built over the site.

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Address

Aosta, Italy
See all sites in Aosta

Details

Founded: 6000-3000 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Majella Delaney (8 months ago)
Considering we have little to no Italian, we came away with a lot of knowledge and information about the archaeology of the find, how it related to different historical eras and what it coincided with historically around the world. Very visual and presented effectively. Our guide helped us understand lots and answered questions on anything we needed more clarification or information on. It's very reasonable and effective.
Gherardo Infunti (9 months ago)
Even though I live in Turin (only 120 km from here) and am passionate about this kind of heritage, I knew nothing about this area. Following a friend's suggestion I spent a couple of hours visiting the museum and the megalithic area it contains. It was a real surprise! 6000 years of history layered in a sacred place, from ritual ploughing and alignment of poles to finely engraved steles in the shape of a man, from tombs used for a thousand years to tools and tattoos shared with Ötzi. An exciting journey from the Neolithic through the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages to the Romans. If you are interested in such topics this place is a must. Even though the museum is full of information (interactive panels and screens) a guided tour is highly recommended. I had the chance to have Maria Pia as a guide with her deep knowledge and friendly attitude. I will be back for a more in-depth visit of a day.
Diana Flint (10 months ago)
Outstanding museum opened late 2023. Archaeological works since 1969. Exceptional museum design, architecturally exciting, un cluttered, spacious. clear Guide (but only in Italian) stylish displays. Allow 2 hrs plus. Descriptive panels in Italian, French, English. Book in advance. Bookshop in museum but no cafe.
Darren Unland (12 months ago)
My wife and I visited in April 2024 and enjoyed a wonderful tour. We enjoyed a "private tour" since it was a slow day during shoulder-season and we were the only 2 visitors at the time. Such an informative experience.
Irene Vigna (15 months ago)
Worth seeing. The site has recently expanded, doubling up in surface and increasing its already rich and undoubtedly precious content. For example there’s a new wing dedicated to the Roman age, a bright and modern immersive room, and new areas with the most recent findings such as human footprints in the plowed land and a funerary mound from the Iron Age. The guided tour is just under 2 hours, but would recommend allowing a bit more time for the visit as there’s much to see. The site has some live excavation and further plan to expand. The museum is approx. 20’ walk from the town centre, but is also easily reachable by bus (no. 3 and others) from the main Piazza Chanoux.
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