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Archaeological site · Rochefort, Namur
Malagne – Archéoparc de Rochefort
A 14-hectare archaeological park between Rochefort and Jemelle, over the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in northern Gaul, from the 1st century. It features reconstructions, gardens, heritage breeds of animals and workshops.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Malagne – Archéoparc de Rochefort
Malagne lies between Rochefort and Jemelle, on a 14-hectare site where a Gallo-Roman villa existed from the 1st century. The first excavation, carried out in 1891 by the Sociedade Arqueológica de Namur, revealed a main building 104 metres long and 30 wide, plus outbuildings spread over 3.5 hectares.
The fertile soil first attracted the Gauls and later the Romans, who also developed metalworking there. Germanic raids led to the villa's abandonment at the end of the 3rd century, and the site was then used only for metallurgy. A new excavation, about a century after the first, clarified the chronology and the use of each building.
Since 1996 the site has operated as an interpretation centre for Gallo-Roman rural life. The visit includes reconstructed buildings, cereal fields and old breeds of horse, cattle and sheep. There are kitchen gardens and gardens with hundreds of varieties of plants used at the time, grown without chemical fertiliser, and workshops for baking, smithing and brewing.
The site is protected as a monument and landscape. Throughout the year there are temporary exhibitions and experimental archaeology days where ancient techniques are recreated.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
From spring to early autumn, April to September, when the gardens and animals are out in the fields. The visit is almost entirely outdoors. Check the opening days before you go, as the schedule varies throughout the year.
How to get there
The entrance is on Rue du Coirbois, between the centre of Rochefort and Jemelle. By car, access is via the N86. Rochefort-Jemelle station is nearby, but the walk is along residential streets; check the route in advance.
Tip
Wear footwear suitable for dirt paths and bring rain protection. For children, check the dates of workshops and hands-on activities that demonstrate how bread and tools were made in Roman times.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Malagne – Archéoparc de Rochefort
What can you see in Malagne?
The remains and reconstructions of a large Gallo-Roman villa, with crops, animals of old breeds, kitchen gardens and workshops that show rural life of the period.
From what period is the villa?
It began to be occupied in the 1st century and was abandoned at the end of the 3rd century, after the Germanic incursions.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Yes, especially on workshop dates when there are hands-on activities for baking, smithing and pottery. The area is large and almost entirely outdoors.