Vernai Gallo-Roman archaeological site
Presentation
Discovered in 1967, this site is still active today, and bears witness to several millennia of human occupation. It houses, among other things, the remains of a real palace dating from the first century AD.
Outside the village, on more than 6ha, the Vernai clearing was continuously occupied from the 1st century BC until the end of the Middle Ages. The oldest remains are from as early as 4000 BC (Neolithic). The Gallic period is also strongly represented, but it was during the Gallo-Roman period, between 30 BC and 450 AD that the site was at its peak. A very important Roman villa was built on the site. A great Lyonnais or Viennese aristocrat built an actual rural palace, with a surface area of 15,000m2, around which a large farm developed, covering several thousand hectares. It is one of the 5 largest Roman villas in the South of France. These well preserved remains are impressive and of a wealth quite comparable to that of the great residences in Saint-Romain-en-Gal. But, the Roman villa is not the only interesting element on the site. After Roman times there were more great constructions. The present church developed from a 4th century chapel and still retains visible parts dating from Antiquity and the High Middle Ages, which makes it the oldest site of Christian worship still standing in the department.
In recent years, two projects have highlighted several elements of the site:
In 2008-2009: development of the thermal baths and mill, the evocation of the antique swimming pool and a portico and the consolidation of existing remains.
A mound of earth was positioned to allow a panoramic view of the whole site.
In 2011-2012 (February): Improvement of the visitor experience by creating a path and the materialization of the Roman road. This layout is equipped with 14 information panels, making the scientific understanding accessible to all. A fun treasure hunt challenges both young and old.
The representation of a hypocaust (hot air heating system installed in the floor of some Roman buildings): This heating technique is revealed through the small supports placed in the two main heated rooms of the baths. An explanation of the hypocaust and its characteristics is presented graphically and narratively on a panel near the baths.
The development of the craft studio located near the river Girondan: This isolated building represents the economic life of the villa. The goal is to present to the visitor remains which are as authentic as possible, only part of the masonry has been restored.
In recent years, two projects have highlighted several elements of the site:
In 2008-2009: development of the thermal baths and mill, the evocation of the antique swimming pool and a portico and the consolidation of existing remains.
A mound of earth was positioned to allow a panoramic view of the whole site.
In 2011-2012 (February): Improvement of the visitor experience by creating a path and the materialization of the Roman road. This layout is equipped with 14 information panels, making the scientific understanding accessible to all. A fun treasure hunt challenges both young and old.
The representation of a hypocaust (hot air heating system installed in the floor of some Roman buildings): This heating technique is revealed through the small supports placed in the two main heated rooms of the baths. An explanation of the hypocaust and its characteristics is presented graphically and narratively on a panel near the baths.
The development of the craft studio located near the river Girondan: This isolated building represents the economic life of the villa. The goal is to present to the visitor remains which are as authentic as possible, only part of the masonry has been restored.
Période(s) d'ouvertureOpen every day, all year round.
Themes
- Type of culturel patrimony :
- Historic site and monument
- categories :
- Classified or listed (CNMHS)
- Historical patrimony :
- Historic patrimony
- Ruins and remains
- Archeological site
- Style :
- Ancient
- Gallo-roman
- Client profile :
- Groups
Useful Information
- Services :
- 10 people min per group
- Durée(s) visite(s) :
- Average group visit length (minutes) 90
- Individual tour services :
- Guided individual tours on request
- Unguided individual tours on request
- Parking :
- Car park
- Coach parking
- Parking
- Services :
- Guided individual tours
- Guided group tours
- Unguided individual tours
- Group tour services :
- Guided group tours on request
- Tour language(s) :
- French
- Documentation language(s) :
- French
Tarifs
Free of charge
Contact
Vernai Gallo-Roman archaeological site
rue de l'église
38460
Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas
Phone : +33 4 74 90 76 01
- Spoken language(s) :
FICHE_INFO_SIMPLE_LIBELLE_DESTINATION
Site archéologique gallo-romain du Vernai
rue de l'église
38460
Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 45.748629
Longitude : 5.227825
From Grenoble, take the A48 towards Lyon, exit 5 for Crémieu on the D75, then D517 to Saint Romain en Jalionas
Locate on the map
- Environnements :
- In the country
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