Visites guidées : découverte de l’insula 14, un quartier romain inédit [EN]

An excavation site open to the public

Since the end of 2025, the Cantonal Archaeology Office, through its contractor InSitu archéologie SA, has been conducting archaeological investigations in the heart of the ancient Roman settlement of Martigny (Rue d’Octodure 32). As part of this, guided tours of the site are organised to introduce the public to the archaeologists’ working methods, the discoveries made and the ongoing interpretations.

These tours, offered every Wednesday over several months, allow you to return at different stages of the excavation and observe the progress of the research.

Insula 14, near the ancient forum

The site in question is Insula 14, a rectangular urban block characteristic of Roman cities. Although situated in the immediate vicinity of the forum – the administrative, political and religious centre of the ancient city, now buried beneath the football and beach volleyball pitches to the south of the excavation site – this area had never before been the subject of in-depth archaeological investigations.

The excavations have notably revealed, in the south-eastern corner of Insula 14, several phases of a luxurious building, featuring high-quality fittings such as heating systems, marble cladding and wall paintings. These elements are linked to circulation or service areas, such as a courtyard and porticoes.

Long-term occupation

The remains bear witness to a long-term occupation of the neighbourhood. The earliest layers of Roman habitation may date from the first half of the 1st century AD. The site subsequently underwent numerous transformations, before being reused in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, with reoccupations and burials likely dating from between the 5th and 10th centuries.

Practical information

Visiting times and dates

Visits are extended every Wednesday (excluding public holidays) from 1 April to 15 April 2026

- 3.00 pm - 3.30 pm

- 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm

Break to change excavation sectors.

Visits will resume every Wednesday (excluding public holidays) from 20 May to 22 July 2026

- 4.30 pm – 5.00 pm

- 5.00 pm – 5.30 pm

Visiting conditions

- Sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather conditions are recommended

- Site visit not accessible to people with reduced mobility

Please note that access to the site is not open to the public outside of guided tours.

Changes to the dates of the spring break for infrastructure relocation and the end of the tours may need to be considered depending on the progress of the investigative work and will be communicated.

Access to the ongoing archaeological excavation at 32 Rue d’Octodure (junction of Rue d’Octodure and Rue des Morasses).

Martigny, Insula 14, vestiges de plusieurs pièces d’apparat en enfilade (pièce avec chauffage par le sol et par les murs au premier plan, sol en dalles de marbre au second plan), © A. Sliwinski Insitu Archéologie SA / OCA 2026.