The site was discovered accidentally in 1969 during the construction of a residential complex.
Excavations revealed over 40 distinct anthropomorphic stelae carved between the third and second millennia BC.
The archaeological record includes evidence of prehistoric ritual plowing, which is exceptionally rare to find intact.
The site functioned as a necropolis for over 2,000 years, with distinct burial styles evolving across different epochs.
Many of the stelae feature stylized faces and daggers, indicating high social status for the commemorated individuals.
The indoor museum structure acts as a protective 'casing' to prevent the weathering of delicate stone and soil features.
The site includes traces of an Iron Age settlement overlaid by Roman-era infrastructure.
The museum layout is designed to follow the chronological depth of the excavations, moving from the surface down to the deepest prehistoric levels.
The MegaMuseum, officially known as the Area Megalitica di Saint-Martin-de-Corléans, houses one of Europe’s most significant prehistoric archaeological sites sheltered beneath a modern, climate-controlled facility. It preserves evidence of human activity spanning from the Copper Age to the Roman era. The site features a dense concentration of anthropomorphic stelae, which are rare, carved stone figures representing ancestral spirits or deities. Visitors walk on suspended walkways directly above excavated layers containing Neolithic pits, tomb structures, and ritual plow marks. The current facility was built to protect the fragile remains from atmospheric exposure while providing an integrated educational experience. Extensive excavations have revealed the evolution of the site from a sacred prehistoric space to a Roman agricultural zone. It serves as a central hub for understanding the early settlement patterns of the Aosta Valley. The museum architecture utilizes glass and steel to maximize visibility of the underlying archaeological strata.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the main collection of stelae in the central hall.
Use the provided audio guides to understand the significance of the specific stelae placements.
Stay on the elevated walkways at all times to ensure the preservation of the delicate sub-surface excavations.
Bring a light jacket as the interior temperature is maintained at lower levels for climate control and preservation.
Do not attempt to touch the stelae or any of the excavated soil structures.
Closed on Mondays.
No flash photography is permitted to protect the pigment and stone integrity of the ancient artifacts.
