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Museum · Irún, Basque Country
Museo Romano Oiasso
Archaeological museum about Oiasso, the Roman town and port discovered beneath the center of Irún, with objects from the excavations and the visit to the medieval hermitage of Santa Elena, above the Roman necropolis.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museo Romano Oiasso
Oiasso was the name of the Roman town that stood where Irún is today, mentioned by ancient geographers as the port of the Vascones at the end of the Pyrenees. From the 1990s, excavations carried out during works in the town revealed the streets, houses, baths and the Roman port, in an urban area estimated between 12 and 15 hectares. It is the most important archaeological discovery in the province of Gipuzkoa at the end of the 20th century.
The museum, in the center, presents what was found: the wooden structures of the port, objects of maritime trade, ceramics, coins, tools and everyday items. The exhibition shows Oiasso's place on the routes of the golfo da Biscaia and the relation with the Arditurri mines nearby, exploited by the Romans.
The guided visit can also include the hermitage of Santa Elena, a medieval hermitage built over the necropolis of the Roman town, with tombs and remains of a temple on view.
The museum promotes activities, archaeological walks and an archaeological film festival.
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
From 1 to 1 h 30, including the hermitage of Santa Elena.
Best time
Any open day; opening hours change throughout the year, so check in advance. It's a good option for rainy days.
How to get there
It is in the center of Irún, next to the Juncal church, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Ask about the guided visit to the hermitage of Santa Elena: it shows the Roman remains in the very place where they were found.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Romano Oiasso
What was Oiasso?
The Roman town and port that once stood where Irún is today, uncovered in excavations from the 1990s onward.
What can you see in the Oiasso museum?
The structures of the Roman port, maritime trade objects, pottery, coins and everyday items.
What is the hermitage of Santa Elena?
A medieval hermitage built over the Roman necropolis of Oiasso, visited with a guide.