ALBA-LA-ROMAINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

The existence of an ancient site on the wine-growing plain of Alba has been assumed for centuries. However, it wasn't until 1861 that the ancient city of Alba Helviorum was established on this site, which ruled over an entire territory, Helvie, roughly corresponding to the south of the present-day Ardèche department... In Roman times, it was a small Rome that prospered on more than 30 hectares of land, an ancient city on a communication route linking the Rhône valley to the Massif Central. For decades, the winegrowers who settled here cleared the soil of ancient remains to better work their vines. From 1861 onwards, its presence was attested and serious excavations began. The site could now be revealed and promoted. Today, we can discover an ancient theater, the monumental center with its large paved street, perpendicular arteries, stores and large public buildings. The 13-hectare site has been landscaped. In contrast to the vestiges, where only minerality predominates, this space adds an extra touch of poetry. Cherry, mulberry and ash trees line the paths that delineate the ancient urban layout. In addition, 3D reconstructions have been strategically positioned to visualize social life in Roman times. A visit to the MuséAL archeological museum, on the edge of the archeological site, completes the tour.