The Roman Villa of Veranes is situated some 12 kms from Gijón (Asturias), you must take the old road from Gijón to Oviedo (AS-18) and when reaching Veranes roundabout, just follow the signs uphill.

This is said to be the largest rural Roman settlement known in the north of Spain. The premises, including a reception building/ museum and the archaeological site, have opened to the public a couple of weeks ago.

The Museum/reception building acts as doorway to the remains of the Roman Villa. The outside parking area has one reserved space for disabled visitors and the way to the main entrance is barrier free (curb cuts): just bear in mind that this parking area is steep (you might experience difficulties transferring in/out of the vehicle) and pavement at the entrance is made of cobblestone . Entrance glass double door is wide but might be heavy to push (reception staff will surely open it for you): this is a barrier-free one level building. Once inside, the reception and information desk is just ahead: the two-height counter is where tickets are bought, and leaflets and video-guides (with tactile screens) obtained. There's an audiovisual room to your left , where a video explaining the origin and evolution of the villa is displayed: there's no reserved space in this room for wheelchair users, but as chairs are not fixed on the floor, the staff can make convenient room for you. After that you can proceed to the exhibition hall where archaeological objects are on display (reproductions of the villa are inside showcases). So far no facilities for people with visual/hearing impairments are offered. Just opposite, leaving the exhibits room and before making your way to the remains, you'll find one adapted toilet.

The visit to the archaeological remains follows a zigzag concrete paved path on the steep slope: there are no hand rails and depending on you capabilities and/or the type of wheelchair you use, it might be difficult first descending and later on going up back to the reception building (exit is through this building). Some flat resting areas with benches have been set along the path. Eight observation points have been marked on the floor: their numbers refer to those in the video-guide/leaflet providing information (the video guide recreates the original walls and rooms). Original paving (mosaics) are one of the outstanding elements for visitors: specially the one (nearly 40 square metres) at the former reception room (oecus). This polychrome mosaic has been protected by a modern cubic building (evoking the original volume, 9 metres high) surrounded by a corridor (actually it's a sort of platform) which has four "balconies" to look inside.

The archaeological remains that can be visited belong to a typical large rural establishment built in the 4 th century A.D. on the ruins of a previous settlement. The manor house remained in use until the 5 th century A.D.

The Veranes Roman Villa museum and site is offering free admission fee up to April, 8, 2007.

Free guided visits are available from 11:00 to 12:30.

Opening Schedule:
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 17:00
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 11:00 to 18:00
Monday, closed

Admission fees:
Sunday: free admission.
General: 2,40 €
Reduced: 1,40 € (under 16,retired, groups, familias)
Video-guía: 1,60 Euros

Museo Villa Romana de Veranes
Veranes, s/n.
33393. Cenero
Gijón
Tels: (+34) 985 30 16 82 / (+34) 985 181 001
E-mail: museos@gijon.es
http://museos.gijon.es

 

Rebecca Arce