Area funeraria fuori Porta Decumana di Aosta

About the museum

The funerary area lies about 200 metres from the Porta Decumana in Aosta, along the road that led to the Alpis Graia, today’s Little St Bernard Pass (Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo). As Roman law required, the necropolis lay outside the city walls. It was laid out from the 1st century and is divided into two sectors, one nearer the road and one behind it.

Several types of burial are found: pit graves, cappuccina-type graves with a cremated deceased, and small chamber tombs closed by a funerary monument. From the 2nd century inhumation spread; the grave goods include glass objects, bronze mirrors and hobnailed shoes. Between the 2nd and 3rd centuries the tombs began to overlap and lose their orientation.

In the 4th century three mausoleums known as cellae memoriae were built, covering the earlier burials; they remained in use throughout the early Middle Ages. The two western buildings contain numerous burials; the eastern one, with a travertine block serving as an altar, was probably intended for funerary banquets. A few metres to the west, an early Christian basilica of the 4th–5th century was discovered, used until the end of the first millennium.

Highlights

• Three 4th-century mausoleums known as cellae memoriae
• Early Christian basilica of the 4th–5th century
• Pit, cappuccina-type and small chamber tombs
• Necropolis along the Roman road to the Little St Bernard Pass

Operated by

Regione autonoma Valle d'Aosta

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission, with compulsory reservation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The regional tourism portal lists the site as not accessible to people with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The site is on Corso Battaglione Aosta, about 200 metres from Porta Decumana.

Amenities & 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