Criptoportico forense
Underground Roman gallery of the Augustan age in the forum of Aosta, horseshoe-shaped with two barrel-vaulted naves, in front of the cathedral; national monument.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Criptoportico forense is a Roman monument of the Augustan age, recognised as a national monument. It stands in the northern part of the forum complex of ancient Augusta Praetoria, opposite the cathedral, and once enclosed the sacred area of the forum on three sides.
The structure is a horseshoe-shaped underground gallery with two naves covered by barrel vaults, supported by imposing travertine piers and a series of segmental arches. It is lit by splayed windows and keeps a constant temperature all year round. It served to contain and level out the natural slope of the ground, creating the raised platform on which two temples with six-column fronts stood: one dedicated to the deified Augustus and the other to the Capitoline triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva.
The function of the gallery is not entirely clear: it is thought to have been used as a promenade and only from the 3rd century as a military store. Later the rooms were used as cellars and became known as the “Marché des Romains”.
Highlights
- Underground gallery with two naves and barrel vaults
- Travertine piers and segmental arches
- Structure that supported the two forum temples, dedicated to Augustus and to the Capitoline triad
- Constant interior temperature all year round
- Combined ticket Aosta Archeologica with the MAR, Roman Theatre, San Lorenzo and MegaMuseo
- Operated by
- Regione autonoma Valle d'Aosta
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
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| Reduced | €8Groups of at least 25 people, groups with a tour guide and holders of valid cards (FAI, Touring Club Italiano, Aosta Valley Card) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Free admission up to 18 years; young people aged 19 to 25 €3. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with certified disabilities and for those accompanying them. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Young people aged 19 to 25: €3. |
| Combined ticket “Aosta Archeologica” (valid six months) | –One entry each to the Criptoportico, the MAR, the Roman Theatre, the early Christian church of San Lorenzo and the MegaMuseo. |
The regional website states that a combined ticket “Aosta Archeologica” is required for the visit; the Aosta Valley tourism portal gives a single-monument rate of €10. Online purchase on the MiDA platform is recommended. Also free for teachers and accompanying adults of school groups.
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 monument as not accessible to people with disabilities. The entrance is in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, on the left side of the cathedral.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The entrance is in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, on the left side of Aosta cathedral.
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
| Photography | Photos and videos are allowed for private, non-commercial use, without flash or supports; selfie sticks are prohibited. Commercial, journalistic or advertising use requires authorisation. |
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| Good to know | Small animals are admitted only if carried or in a carrier; medium and large dogs only in the outdoor areas, on a lead. |
