Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum

A City under the City!

The remains of the Vesone domus were uncovered in 1959 during archaeological excavation before construction work. Since 2003, the site is housed in a contemporary building designed by Jean Nouvel (known for the Quai Branly, Abu Dabi or even Sarlat). The concept is one of an open window to a distant, buried past. It’s like a large umbrella floating above antique walls. The antique town of Périgueux was founded around 16 B.C. when, after the conquest of Gaul by Julius Cesar, the province of Aquitaine was established by August the first Roman Emperor. The town’s name was Vesunna and it became the capital of the Petrucores’ territory which was approximately the equivalent of modern-day Dordogne.