Descend beneath the modern pavement of Place Notre-Dame to find a silent, stone threshold into the ancient past. Here, the bustling activity of the city fades as you enter an archaeological crypt located beneath the Musée De L'Ancien Eveché.
Tracing the Foundations of Antiquity
Beneath the former bishop's palace lies a subterranean world where history is preserved in stone. You can explore the remains of the city’s original Roman walls, a tangible connection to the ancient fortifications that once defined the perimeter of this region. This archaeological site offers a profound contrast to the surface world, providing a physical encounter with the infrastructure of antiquity.
Exploring the Underground Crypt
The experience centers on the underground crypt where the remnants of the Roman walls are preserved alongside a remarkable 4th-century baptistry. These structures were uncovered during the construction of tram line B and are now accessible to visitors seeking to see the archaeological layers of the city. This site provides a tangible sense of the timeline of the Isère region, moving from prehistory through the Roman era to the present day.
Navigating the Archaeological Site
To make the most of your visit, plan to spend time exploring the underground space where the baptistry and walls are situated. The site is located within the Musée De L'Ancien Eveché; you can request a free audioguide upon arrival at the reception to help navigate the history of the artifacts and architecture in both French and English.
If you wish to explore more of the local area after your visit, consider heading toward nearby sites such as Aconit, Général de Beylie, Maison du Docteur Gagnon, Maison natale de Stendhal, or Pierre Terrail seigneur de Bayard.