Elusa: Ancient Capital, visit a Gallo-Roman Domus!

In Eauze and near Montréal-du-Gers, there is a collection of archaeological sites , vestiges of the Gallo-Roman era of the ancient city of Elusa . It is a unique site, a real journey back in time , which brings out all the ingenuity of our ancestors in terms of comfort in particular. You enter the Domus de Cieutat , which belonged to an aristocrat: it was a place of ceremonial, meeting and pleasures ... Dive into the past, the time of a trip to Elusa!

The Domus de Cieutat and its interpretation center

In the heart of Gascony a few kilometers from the city of Eauze is Elusa, the ancient capital . Nestled in the countryside, the Elusa Capitale Antique interpretation center is located in the old train station in the town of Eauze . This is where the visit begins, because to understand the vestiges present, you need a minimum of concepts , explained in a very educational way, by an attractive scenography . A film with 3D animations very well done, shows the life of the inhabitants of the Domus.

The Domus de Cieutat is just behind, 10 years of archaeological excavations have allowed to update this fantastic site . A domus is an urban dwelling from the Roman era . It is a villa , generally very luxurious with all the modern comfort of the time: toilets , thermal baths for the pleasures of the bath ... It belongs to personalities of the upper class , aristocrats , notables , wealthy merchants . We house an entire family there , but it is also a place of work and relationships : the domus is an ostentatious place, where you display your fortune, so it is richly decorated.

The Domus de Cieutat is an educational place . History buffs and old stone enthusiasts can easily imagine the daily life of the inhabitants and users of the Domus, they can enjoy a free visit with an explanatory document and the lecterns of explanations installed on all the spaces to discover . Younger and novices will be glad to join a guided guided tour . In summer, children will also benefit from activities and workshops , according to Elusa's agenda, to better acquire the knowledge linked to this fascinating era.

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The Villa de Séviac, near Montréal-du-Gers

A few kilometers away is La Villa de Séviac. It is a 6500m2 residence, with a sumptuous set of mosaics and thermal baths. It showcases all the luxury available to this type of villa at that time. It will be explained to you in detail and with many anecdotes all the curiosities and ingenuities that the villa has. Opt for the guided tour! Did you know for example that there was a whole system of hot water and underfloor heating , circulating in the main rooms of the domus? It is the hypocaust , which was heated by a hearth fueled by charcoal. Brick pills , at different heights depending on the desired heat, raised the floor and let the hot air circulate and heat the floor of the baths and rooms.

In a magnificent natural setting, above a wine-growing environment , this is a place not to be missed that perfectly complements La Domus de la Cieutat. The remains are protected by a modern looking cover structure , which protects visitors from rain and sun. Galleries, courtyards and gardens, thermal baths, the Villa de Seviac dates from the 4th century and was skillfully supplied with water from an upstream spring . Its location on a plateau at 135m above sea level makes it very open to the surrounding landscape perspectives, the panorama must have been magnificent at the time!

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The Archaeological Museum / The Treasure of Eauze

To complete the visit of the two previous sets, go to Eauze to see the Archaeological Museum. Note that a combined ticket at a very reasonable price allows you to see the 3 sites!

It is a journey through time with a beautiful museography , which takes you from prehistory, to the Roman Empire, always through the city of Elusa (the ancient city of Eauze). You will discover a Roman treasure , composed of jewelry and coins . All the elements were discovered at the two previous sites. A warm welcome will be reserved for you, I advise you, however, to better appreciate this treasures, to visit the museum last, to properly highlight the objects with regard to the knowledge that you will have accumulated at the domus and at the villa.

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