Megalithic Area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans
Explore 6,000 years of history, from Neolithic tombs to Roman artifacts, in this modern museum and archaeological site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Megalithic Area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 6,000 years of history, from Neolithic tombs to Roman artifacts, in this modern museum and archaeological site.
"An exciting journey from the Neolithic through the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages to the Romans. "
Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for deeper understanding! Guides are knowledgeable and make history engaging.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the site and museum. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prehistoric Tombs
Megalithic Area
Explore ancient burial sites, some used for over a thousand years, offering a glimpse into Neolithic and Copper Age practices.
Engraved Steles
Museum
Marvel at finely engraved steles, some shaped like men, showcasing early artistic and symbolic expressions.
Immersive Roman Room
Museum
Step into a modern, immersive space that brings the Roman age to life with engaging displays and technology.
Iron Age Funerary Mound
Megalithic Area
Discover a funerary mound from the Iron Age, adding another layer to the site's extensive historical timeline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for deeper understanding! Guides are knowledgeable and make history engaging. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the site and museum. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary, especially seasonally. Always check the official website before your visit. :clock1:
Allow 2-3 Hours
Don't rush! There's a lot to see, from tombs to interactive exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for deeper understanding! Guides are knowledgeable and make history engaging. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the site and museum. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary, especially seasonally. Always check the official website before your visit. :clock1:
Allow 2-3 Hours
Don't rush! There's a lot to see, from tombs to interactive exhibits.
Multilingual Panels
Descriptive panels are available in Italian, French, and English. :globewithmeridians:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Megalithic Area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans for its recently expanded and rich content, highlighting the modern museum design and immersive exhibits. The knowledgeable guides are frequently mentioned as enhancing the experience, making the ancient history accessible and engaging. While there are no on-site dining facilities, the site's historical depth and presentation make it a highly recommended visit for anyone interested in archaeology and regional heritage.
"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."
Irene Vigna
"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."
Gherardo Infunti
"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."
Majella Delaney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Aosta's town center. It's also easily accessible by bus, with routes like the number 3 stopping nearby from Piazza Chanoux.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's generally accessible by public transport. If driving, look for public parking in the vicinity of Aosta's town center.
Yes, Turin is about 120 km away, making it a feasible day trip or part of a longer itinerary. Driving is the most direct option.
Aosta is well-connected by road. If coming from further afield, you might fly into Turin or Milan and then take a bus or rent a car.
The museum is modern and spacious, designed for accessibility. The outdoor megalithic area may have uneven terrain, so check in advance for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are reasonable, with a full price of 10€ mentioned for the nearby Fénis Castle, suggesting similar affordability for this site. It's best to check the official website for current admission fees.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours, to secure your spot. This is particularly true during peak season or if you want a specific tour time.
Opening hours can vary, so it's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Information on discounts isn't readily available online, but it's always worth inquiring about potential concessions for students, seniors, or groups when booking.
Yes, you can explore the museum and site independently. However, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical context and findings. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum, the megalithic area, and any special exhibits. A guided tour adds to this time.
Many visitors are impressed by the ancient tombs, the detailed engraved steles, and the modern immersive Roman room. The sheer depth of history is a common highlight. +1
Yes, the museum features interactive panels and screens, including a bright and modern immersive room dedicated to the Roman age. +1
A bookshop is available within the museum, offering related literature and souvenirs.
Descriptive panels are provided in Italian, French, and English, making the information accessible to a wider range of visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no cafe on-site, so it's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat in Aosta town center before or after your visit.
Aosta town center offers various dining options, from local trattorias to cafes. The @trattorialebourg is mentioned as a good spot for a typical meal.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own food for consumption in designated outdoor areas or picnic spots, but not inside the museum exhibits.
Expect hearty mountain cuisine, including polenta, local cheeses, cured meats, and game dishes.
Many restaurants in Aosta will offer vegetarian options. Vegan options might require specific requests, but are becoming more common.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect artifacts. Always check for signage or ask staff.
The engraved steles, the exterior of the modern museum building, and the open megalithic area offer great photographic opportunities. The immersive Roman room can also be visually striking.
Drone usage is typically restricted in archaeological sites and museums for preservation and safety reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Morning light can be soft and ideal for outdoor shots of the megalithic area. The modern architecture of the museum might look striking in various lighting conditions.
Tripods might be restricted, especially during busy periods, to avoid obstructing other visitors. Check with the venue staff if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided tour, as guides can often tailor their explanations to be more engaging for children, turning a history lesson into an adventure. Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no food facilities on-site, and plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore without rushing. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone!
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The recent expansions and ongoing archaeological work mean there's always something new to discover. A guided tour is almost essential to fully grasp the nuances and significance of the findings, with guides often sharing in-depth knowledge.
🚶 Solo Travelers
The site is easily accessible by public transport from Aosta, making it a convenient solo excursion. The manageable size and clear layout of the museum and site ensure you can explore at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Megalithic Area's History
The museum itself is a modern marvel, designed to complement the ancient findings. It features interactive panels and screens that bring the past to life, alongside a particularly striking immersive room dedicated to the Roman age. Recent expansions have further enriched the visitor experience, adding areas that highlight recent discoveries such as human footprints preserved in ancient soil and an Iron Age funerary mound. This continuous discovery and expansion underscore the site's ongoing importance in understanding regional history.
For those interested in archaeology, the site offers a unique opportunity to witness ongoing research and potential future discoveries. The blend of ancient artifacts and contemporary presentation makes the Megalithic Area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The site's layered history, from ritualistic practices to finely crafted artifacts, provides a comprehensive narrative of human development in the region.
Navigating the Site: Tips for a Smooth Visit
When it comes to ticketing and hours, it's always best to check the official website for the most current information, as these can change seasonally. Booking in advance, especially for guided tours, is a wise precaution to ensure you secure your preferred time slot.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, though flash might be restricted. The modern architecture of the museum and the ancient artifacts offer diverse photographic opportunities.
With descriptive panels available in Italian, French, and English, the site is accessible to a broad international audience, ensuring a rich and informative experience for all. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit