The lapidary museum of Riez, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, 30 km east of Manosque, was created in 1929.
It now includes several archaeological sites dating from pre-Roman times, Antiquity and the High Middle Ages.
The locality was then located on the edge of the Narbonne province and at the crossroads of various traffic routes.
At Riez, first occupied via an oppidum located at the top of the Sainte-Maxime hill, the population settled in the plain during Roman Antiquity. From this period have been preserved the remains of two thermal complexes, and the monument known as the Four Columns.
During the 5th century, the city became an episcopal seat and was then equipped with a baptistery and a cathedral. This complex is built on the ruins of one of the two ancient thermal complexes. Later, urbanization will continue by covering the hill again.
The museum therefore includes open-air remains such as the columns of the first century AD, used for the construction of various buildings such as the theater or the temple, and which stand in the field on the left at the entrance to the village..
In addition, the 5th century baptistery is accessible, which was generally used once a year, during the baptismal ceremony which took place on the night of Passover. One can still admire today its eight columns and the immersion basin. Some rooms are housed inside (open on request on +33 7 83 70 24 80). The old cathedral site is located on the road to Aix-en-Provence.
For all other information, contact +33 4 92 77 99 09.
