The potters’ kilns
This point of interest is available as audio on the tour: Visit Roanne, A rich history of craftsmanship on the banks of the Loire
The staircase before you leads to the gateway to Roanne’s history. Unfortunately, you can only climb them on European Heritage Days, which is the only time they are open to the public. Preserved underground at the bottom of these steps are potter’s kilns dating back to Gallo-Roman times! Discovered in the 1960s, they have been left in the exact spot they were found, and are in a rare state of preservation. One of them was even recovered fully intact, having survived almost 2000 years of history! Crockery, jugs and bowls were made in Rodumna, the Gallo-Roman name for Roanne. One of the most famous discoveries was the Roanne bowl, a painted vase typical of the region. You can see a replica of this bowl in the Joseph Déchelette Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology. An ancient heritage that is sure to amaze even the most passionate history buffs!
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