La Villa de Licinius
Archaeological exhibition space in Clonas-sur-Varèze presenting the Gallo-Roman mosaic of the god Oceanus, discovered in 1996.
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About the museum
In August 1996, drilling a well on a property in the centre of Clonas-sur-Varèze revealed the mosaic of the god Oceanus, deity of waters and of river and maritime trade. This polychrome pavement of 67.4 m², dating from the 2nd century AD, decorated the dining room of Licinius, owner of a large Gallo-Roman rural estate.
The discovery generated strong local mobilisation and, as early as October 1996, led to the founding of the association Janus, a group of volunteers who keep Clonas's heritage alive. The mosaic was removed in 1998 and restored until 2008 by the workshops of Saint-Romain-en-Gal. The commune, with help from the Isère Department, the Region, the DRAC and the Musée dauphinois, built an exhibition hall between 2005 and 2006.
Today, the mosaic, fragments of wall painting and other remains are displayed in this museum space, which explains this heritage ensemble. The Villa offers self-guided or guided visits, activities during the European Heritage Days and Musées en fête, concerts and educational workshops for schools, from nursery to lycée level.
Highlights
- Polychrome mosaic of the god Oceanus, 67.4 m², dating from the 2nd century
- Remains of a Gallo-Roman rural estate, including fragments of wall painting
- Guided group visits by the Janus association
- Activities during the European Heritage Days
- Educational workshops for schools
Permanent exhibition
- Mosaïque du dieu Océan et vestiges gallo-romains – Exhibition space presenting the large 2nd-century mosaic, fragments of wall painting and explanations about the estate of Licinius.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Commune de Clonas-sur-Varèze, avec l'association Janus
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,095 (2022)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2College and lycée pupils, students and people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free for children under 12. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2 |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personGuided group visit from 10 people, €3 per person, by reservation. |
Free admission: European Heritage Days
Free admission for residents of Clonas-sur-Varèze.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The Villa is located in the centre of the village, 1 rue de Bourbourey.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visits. Guided group visits are led by a member of the Janus association. Educational workshops for pupils from nursery to lycée level. |
