Archeological crypt of the île de la Cité, Archaeological museum underneath Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
The archaeological crypt beneath Île de la Cité is an underground space where overlapping layers of Roman, Frankish, and medieval structures have been uncovered and left in place. The site displays foundation walls, floor levels, and structural fragments from different periods arranged side by side.
Excavations between 1965 and 1972 uncovered the layered remains of the ancient Roman city of Lutetia, the Frankish settlement, and the medieval city. This discovery revealed how Paris developed and transformed over centuries in the same location.
The name refers to the layered remains of ancient and medieval construction that visitors can trace today. These stacked ruins show how the city repeatedly rebuilt itself in the same location across centuries.
The site sits directly beneath Notre-Dame and is easily reached by stairs from the plaza in front of the cathedral. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the layers and reading the information panels at your own pace.
Beneath the ruins, visitors can see the remains of Roman baths with their hypocaust systems that channeled heat under the floors. These preserved heating structures show how advanced technology was already in use here during ancient times.
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