GALLO-ROMAN VILLA OF ST. ULRICH
This Gallo-Roman villa, one of the largest in eastern France, boasts a succession of galleries, cellars and courtyards
Close to the ancient city of Pons Saravi, now Sarrebourg, this Gallo-Roman villa is one of the largest in eastern France. The residence of a wealthy landowner, it was probably built in the second quarter of the 1st century and occupied until the 4th century A.D. It was partially excavated from 1897 to 1897 by Karl Wichmann, then by Marcel Lutz from 1968 to 1981. Further archaeological operations took place from 1984 to 1988, in 1992 and finally in 2012. Archaeological excavations have uncovered over a hundred rooms, as well as a series of galleries and cellars, including living rooms, courtyards, a peristyle and baths. Mediterranean influences are evident in the layout and design. The Villa de Saint-Ulrich was probably the heart of a vast 200-hectare estate. Owned by the Moselle department, the site is listed as a Monument Historique. It is currently the subject of archaeological research on objects already revealed, and of a major project to enhance and safeguard the site. Although the site is not freely accessible, the Musée du Pays de Sarrebourg displays a magnificent model of the villa as it stood in the 1st and 2nd centuries, as well as some of the highly interesting archaeological material unearthed during the excavations. Fragments of colored frescoes give us a good idea of the décor and how tempera painting was done in Gallo-Roman times.
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