Domus of Cieutat, Éauze Treasure Museum & Villa of Séviac (I.e. impossible not to like these three sites unique in the Gers. Three original experiences for a unique dive into daily Roman life in the region.
The Domus de Cieutat and the Éauze Treasure Museum
You can't come on Éauze without visiting these 2 must-see sites ! Whether you are passionate about archeology or not, the captivating & informative visits will appeal to adults and children alike!
The Domus of Cieutat – 800m from the center of Eauze
Between 2001 and 2012 excavations were carried out at, Éauze in the heart of an archaeological reserve of around twenty hectares. They made it possible to bring to light the remains of a domus. At the time of Roman Antiquity, the domus was the home of a wealthy family. This domus, dated around the year 350, reaches nearly 2700m².
At the entrance to the archaeological site, in the former Éauze station, a interpretation center. It constitutes an excellent starting point to better understand the history of the three sites which constitute the “ELUSA Ancient Capital” complex. Several interactive installations and film allow you to discover the Roman city and the life of a notable who could live in a town house (the domus).
Outside this interpretation center hides the Domus ! Once you set foot on this ground, you are transported back to Roman times in just a few seconds. You wander among the remains of this immense house from the year 350 and your imagination is at its peak ; walls stand before you with magnificent columns, the interior gardens come to life and the small private thermal baths space almost makes you want to stay there! But the visit ends and we continue to another equally exceptional site!
The Roman Festival of Elusa 🛡️
RDV the 4th weekend of July to awaken the Gallo-Roman in you during our Roman Festival at the Domus of Cieutat in Eauze!
The ELUSA Roman Festival is a festive event combining historical rigor, the pleasure of discovery, sharing and conviviality to promote the exceptional heritage of the ancient city of Eauze.
From the village of artisans to the epic battles of gladiators and legionnaires, including comic shows, tastings of Roman (and contemporary!) dishes and wines, an introduction to ancient music and original entertainment for juniors, you will not find best opportunity for experience Antiquity as if you were there !
The Treasury Museum - downtown
Then continue with a visit to the Eauze treasure museum which is located in the heart of the city center of Eauze. The archaeological museum houses a exceptional treasure, unearthed in 1985 in the area of the city's old train station.
After exploring prehistory until the arrival of the Romans on the ground floor, on the 1st floor, daily life in the Roman city of Elusa is exhibited. The highlight of the show: the strong room (it was the basement of a bank...) which contains a huge Roman treasure …Amazing!
It is a fabulous treasure weighing 120 kg made up of 28054 currencies and a fifty jewels and precious objects dating from the XNUMXrd century AD. Little advice, if you want to see them even closer, take a small magnifying glass and the details will be even more remarkable. 🔎
The Villa de Séviac
The largest Gallo-Roman villa in Occitania!
The Gallo-Roman villa of Séviac
The 3rd site of Elusa Capitale Antique is the Villa de Séviac, luxurious residence Gallo-Roman rural area, located 14kms from Eauze to Montreal from Gers.
Located at the top of a hill among vineyards and cypress trees, Villa de Séviac extends over nearly 6500 m². This remarkable site allows you to discover the field residence of a rich Elusate from the XNUMXnd to the XNUMXth century.
The link between ancient and modern
Before starting the visit, a clarification on the surprising modern structure which covers the site.
The precarious conservation conditions of some of the mosaics required rapid intervention on the protective structures. It was in 2017 that the villa closed its doors for 18 months of work.
Respecting the integrity of the ancient site, the Lisbon architect created a architectural work now protecting the remains over a total area of 2070 m². This contemporary composition enhances the ancient remains and decorum through the contrast of the very clean lines of the cover. The translucent roof, which lets in soft natural light, allows you to appreciate everything radiance and warm tones of the thirty mosaic carpets from this exceptional site.
The Gallo Roman villa is distinguished by its exceptional set of mosaics, superbly preserved and highlighted which testify to the excellence of Aquitaine Gallo-Roman art. If they cover today 625m², they probably, according to specialists, adorned the villa over almost 1500m² in the first half of the XNUMXth century. The whole is of such magnitude that it has been classified Historical Monument in 1978.
The private thermal baths (500m²), running water, sanitation, the large peristyle reveal a refined art of living and we realize that we did not invent everything……. a little moment of culture and modesty to remember the past!
This villa is today considered one of the largest residences in southwest Gaul.
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Full price |
6 € | - |
| Reduced price |
5 € | - |
| Kids |
2 € | - |
| Adult group |
5 € | - |
Varied activities
from April to November on the 3 sites
With a guide
With a guide, let’s face it, it’s always better! And what's more, with enthusiasts like Julie, Laura, Antoine, Hugo and many others in Elusa, you will not be disappointed! They will pass on all their knowledge to you with passion, and so instead of having a 1h15 visit, it could well last 2 hours... 😯 These Romans are crazy!
Workshops for pitchoons
Elusa's passionate guides offer different educational workshops. Suitable for all audiences, they will allow everyone to learn about the plastic techniques already used during Antiquity.
- Ancient creative workshops : children make their own object and leave with their creation. From 7 years old.
- “Budding archaeologist” workshops : discover the tools and the profession of archaeologist through practice on an experimental excavation module. From 7 to 12 years old
- Treasure hunt : Explore ELUSA, solve puzzles and collect clues to get your reward!
Elusa visits & workshops
The Elusa Summer Festivals
In Elusa they don't do things by halves! A summer programming dense and varied with quality entertainment for the whole family!
