Prince Rainier III of Monaco

Exceptional visit around the god Mithras. The god Mithra was born on the winter solstice, come celebrate his birth at the Mariana Museum.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Mariana mithreum, the only sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras discovered to date in Corsica.

Saturday November 16 at 3:00 p.m. exceptional guided tour led by Camille Anardin.

Follow in his footsteps and explore the rites and secrets of this ancient religion, coming from the Persian world, very appreciated by the Romans and which Emperor Aurelian (reigned from 270 to 275 AD) will associate with the imperial cult through the figure of Sol Invictus.

Reservation required (limited places) on 04 20 19 02 40 or on musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

Paid entry at the usual museum conditions (€6 to €9 per person, family rate)

Our team is at your disposal for any additional information.

From September 24th, 2024, the museum transitions to its off-season schedule!

The museum is  open from Tuesday to Friday, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Closed on public holidays 01/11 and from 24/12 to 01/01/25.

The A Canonica Church remains accessible on reservation for guided group tours.

Take advantage of this off-season period to discover or rediscover our collections in a peaceful atmosphere. For an even more immersive experience, we invite you to join our guided tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:00 PM.

On Monday, October 9th, the Geneviève Moracchini-Mazel Research Center welcomed three researchers: Philippe Biagini, research director, Jean-Pierre Poli, research professor, and Paul-Alexandre Schmitt, doctoral student, as part of a research project on the pathogens of ancient Corsican populations.

This project is led by the Paleomicrobiology Laboratory at the University of Corsica, in partnership with Aix-Marseille University (Faculty of Medicine, UMR ADES), Inrap, and various archaeological institutions in Corsica. Its objective is to explore specific infectious diseases (malaria, tuberculosis, brucellosis, etc.) that may have been present in Corsican territory over the centuries.

In this context, the bone remains of around forty individuals buried in the medieval cemetery of Mariana and stored in the museum's reserves have been sampled. Discovered during archaeological excavations in the 2000s, they constitute a homogeneous and well-documented population. After the scientific project was approved by the Territorial Commission for Archaeological Research, DNA analyses should reveal potential infectious diseases. These microbiological research efforts will be coupled with anthropological, archaeological, and historical studies to put the health status of a population into perspective with its environment, way of life, and social status. The advancements of this innovative and multidisciplinary approach will be regularly published here.

Serena Sabatini, an associate professor of archaeology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden and a specialist in European and Mediterranean studies on bronze and early Iron Age, has conducted three samples on the « bull-hide » copper ingot deposited at the museum by the Ambrosi family.

The goal is to determine the chemical composition of this ingot, using Laser Ablation mass-spectrometry and its geochemical fingerprint by means of lead isotope analyses. Analyses of bronze age metallurgy using lead isotopes and trace element analyses are a well-established method for assessing the origin of copper used to produce objects and particularly ancient ingots.

Further analyses are also planned on ingots preserved in other museums in France and abroad.

As a result, we will know by early 2024 where our ingot was produced and to which group it belongs, currently two hypotheses: Cyprus or Sardinia.

Stay tuned...

From April 3rd to 7th, the Mariana Museum received Inrap specialists in its research center for a work session on the re-examination of archaeological data from the formerly excavated Mariana funerary areas.

The recent discovery of a funerary area, north of the ancient city, is at the origin of this research project and motivated a global re-examination of all the funerary furniture unearthed in the 1960s-1970s by Geneviève Moracchini-Mazel in the necropolises of I Ponti and Murotondo-Palazzetto, respectively to the east and west of the city. To carry out this ambitious project, Inrap brought together a multidisciplinary team made up of specialists in small furniture, ceramics, an anthropologist and an archaeozoologist, associated with the management of the museum's collections. This study benefits from the scientific and financial support of the SRA and Inrap.

For the museum, it is an opportunity to put together all the furniture from the old excavations of the necropolises, to refine our knowledge of these objects, and above all to have a global vision of the funeral rites in Mariana. This work will make it possible both to bring out local specificities in the treatment reserved for the dead and to highlight influences on a Mediterranean scale. Eventually, an illustrated catalog that synthesizes this re-reading of old data with regard to new discoveries should be published.

We are delighted to invite you on Saturday, November 09 at 2:30 p.m. for a conference led by Antoine-Marie Graziani, university professor and researcher at the Institut Universitaire de France on: "The Biguglia pond in modern times". This unique event offers an immersion in the history of the Biguglia pond through the activities related to the management of the pond and its islands.

Antoine-Marie Graziani, a modernist historian, will shed light on the management of fishing in the Biguglia pond, initially controlled by the inhabitants of Belgodere di Bagnaja, before becoming a Bastia business in the sixteenth century.

For more information, contact the museum on 04 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. We look forward to seeing many of you to share this moment of knowledge and passion together.

We are pleased to announce that the Mariana Museum will host a special presentation of projects developed by students from the Nantes School of Architecture. The conference, "The School of the Future," follows a workshop organized last March by the House of Architecture of Corsica, during which the students spent a week immersed in the Marana Golo region. During this time, they explored the architecture, landscapes, and local inhabitants, immersing themselves in the history and culture of the area.

This experience enabled the students to envision architectural or urban planning projects, which will form the basis of their final academic work. The results of these projects will be presented at the Mariana Museum on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024, at 5:00 PM. You will have the opportunity to engage with the students and their professors, fostering debate and reflection on the architectural and landscape future of our region.

This conference on "Baths in Ancient Rome", proposed by our director Ophélie de Peretti, highlights one of the themes presented in the temporary exhibition "Corsica Rumana: A Mediterranean Island in the Roman Era" at the Bastia Museum, in partnership with the Mariana Museum, from July 6th to December 21st, 2024.

Saturday september 28th 3:00 PM at the media library in the city center of Bastia.

A symbolic building of Roman culture and a legacy of the Greek world, the bathhouse was a space dedicated to body care, hygiene, social interactions, as well as recreational and athletic activities. These facilities were found not only in cities but also in the residences of the elite. They could range from vast structures, such as those built during the High Empire, to smaller facilities comprising just a few rooms within Roman homes.

The conference sheds light on the Roman bathing practices by examining some iconic public baths and provides an overview of thermal buildings in Roman Corsica.

We are delighted to invite you on Saturday, July 20th at 2:30 PM for a sound conference: "L’amori in musica, u sirinatu" (Love in Music, the Serenade). This unique event offers an immersion into Corsican musical heritage through an anthology of ancient Corsican serenades, drawn from the precious archives of the Museum of Corsica's sound library.

Damien Delgrossi, head of the sound library and heritage expert at the Collectivity of Corsica, will lead this session. He will help us discover or rediscover captivating works that combine vocal prowess, instrumental mastery, and poetic richness, all dedicated to the expression of love. These musical excerpts will be commented on, revealing their historical and cultural contexts.

For further information, contact the museum at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or by email via musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. We look forward to sharing this moment of culture and passion with you.

Immerse yourself in the world of fado with the Ribeiro trio on Saturday, August 3rd at 6 PM. Born in Bastia to Portuguese parents, Daniela Ribeiro grew up deeply imbued with the passion for fado, a traditional song deeply rooted in her family.

Accompanied by talented musicians, Daniela will offer you a poignant performance, borrowing from the repertoire of the great Amália Rodrigues and other contemporary fado stars such as Mariza and Ana Moura. Let yourself be captivated by the emotional power of her voice and the instrumental mastery of her musicians: Nanou Battesti on Portuguese guitar, Antoine Luciani on rhythm guitar, and Antoine Marie Leonelli on bass.

Admission is free. Come and experience an unforgettable moment where fado music will resonate within the exceptional setting of the museum.

For further information, contact the museum at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or via email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. We look forward to sharing this moment of culture and passion with you.

Free lecture on June 22nd at 2:30 PM presented by the researches Jean-Charles Ciavatti and Michel-Édouard Nigaglioni.

The recent campaign of inventory, study, and documentation conducted on the parish church of Lucciana by the Heritage Inventory Service of the Collectivity of Corsica has shed light on previously unexplored aspects of this significant building. These efforts have led to the discovery of often surprising results, which will be revealed during this lecture. The presentation will be accompanied by the projection of over a hundred images, allowing for a thorough appreciation of the heritage of Saint Michel Church and offering an insightful comparison with other works and art objects from the same period preserved across the island.

For more information, contact us at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or via email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. Don't miss this immersive journey into the architectural history of Corsica.

Join us on May 18th, 2024, for the 20th edition of the Night of Museums at the Mariana Museum. On this special occasion, we invite you to discover or rediscover our collections during an exceptional evening opening. Admission will be free from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, allowing everyone to enjoy our exhibitions from a different perspective, in the evening light.

We are also delighted to announce that this event will be held during the Fiera di a Canonica. Ideally located near the fair, the museum will be within walking distance, offering you the opportunity to easily transition from the fair to our spaces, just in time to conclude the evening with the concert by Sumenta Nova at 9:00 PM. Furthermore, our rooftop offers a breathtaking view of the fair and the A Canonica church, adding a spectacular touch to your visit.

Don't miss this opportunity, an ideal moment to celebrate culture in a festive atmosphere accessible to all!

Immerse yourself in the Corsican architectural universe of the nineteenth century on April 20, 2024, during a captivating conference with free admission at 2:30 p.m. at the Mariana Museum. Discover the architectural specificities of this era of peace and prosperity, marked by significant advances in urban planning and construction.

Pierre Claude Giansily, an art historian specialising in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Corsican painting, sculpture and architecture, will be our speaker in this exploration. His in-depth, award-winning and published research offers a unique look at the civil, religious and public architecture that has shaped the face of modern Corsica.

Join us for an enriching retrospective of Corsican public architecture, from parish churches to emblematic monuments. This event is an exceptional opportunity to deepen your understanding of the island's architectural heritage.

For any further information, contact us on 04 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

We look forward to seeing many of you to share this moment in the history of art!

We have the honor of inviting you to a conference dedicated to the Borgo battle that took place from October 8th to 10th, 1768. Join us on Saturday, March 16th at 2:30 PM for the exploration of this pivotal event led by Michel Vergé-Franceschi, Professor Emeritus of Universities, 3-time Winner of the Corsican Book Prize.

This immersion into the history of the Borgo battle will delve into the circumstances preceding the conflict, unveil a thorough analysis of the strategies and key moments of the battle, and examine their impact and repercussions on Corsican society.

An unparalleled opportunity to deepen your knowledge of this major historical event. Come enrich your perspective on Corsican history and its defining moments.

For any additional information, please contact us at 04 20 19 02 40 or via email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

We have the honor of inviting you to a conference dedicated to the L.N. MATTEI brand, a key player in the Corsican industrial development and still deeply rooted in the Corsican imagination today. Join us on February 17th at 2:30 PM for this essential event led by Dominique Mattei.

For over a century, the L.N. MATTEI company has contributed to the economic development of Corsica while acquiring a remarkable international stature. The brand is recognized for its pioneering role in advertising and its deep connection to the island's collective memory.

We will address the figures of Louis Napoléon MATTEI and François Mattei, who adapted their vision to the changes of their time, turning Cap Corse Mattei into an emblem of loyalty to the region and international influences.

The book "Mattei, une saga insulaire" pays tribute to these men while aiming to contribute to writing a page of Corsican history that is as fascinating as it is unknown.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this historical richness together.

For any additional information, please contact us at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or via email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

We are delighted to invite you to a conference on the Corsican Resistance (1940-1943): A Social Movement? Rediscover the resistance phenomenon in Corsica, through an anthropological perspective, in the museum on Saturday, January 13 at 2:30 p.m.

Moderated by Sylvain Gregori, curator of the Museum of Bastia and the Museum of the Corsican Resistance, this conference allows us to understand how the Resistance took root in the island's society, in the daily life of the population.

This social and cultural prism, ultimately close to the archaeological approach, opens the way to a more detailed knowledge of the Resistance. Complementary to political or military history, it is above all the antithesis of the ideological instrumentalizations of which this period was a victim. At a time when actors and witnesses are disappearing, it offers a new collective memory that is being built.

For more information, contact us by phone at 04 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. We can't wait to share this exciting moment with you!

As part of its partnership with Inrap, the Mariana Museum is hosting an exceptional study day on preventive archaeology in Corsica.

The development of preventive archaeology has led to an unprecedented increase in knowledge of territories. Archaeological excavations carried out in Corsica before the construction of buildings or infrastructure document the island's occupations, contributing to the renewal of knowledge about its history.

This study day aims to share the results of archaeological research recently conducted by INRAP under the egis of the DRAC, from the famous excavation of the Etruscan necropolis of Lamajone in Aléria to the Neolithic site of Dilligato in Sotta, including the ancient city of Mariana, the medieval church of San Petru in Barbaggio, or the Genoese fort of Girolata. The examples presented by archaeologists, in collaboration with numerous partners, will also help outline perspectives for the future of preventive archaeology in Corsica.

Open to all, this day will take place at the Museum of the Archaeological Site of Mariana – Prince Rainier III of Monaco. You can also find the program by following this link : 

: https://www.inrap.fr/sites/inrap.fr/files/atoms/files/3429_inr_-_depliant_journee_detude_v20.pdf

The museum invites you to a deep dive into Corsican genealogy on Saturday, December 16th at 10 AM during the conference titled "Genealugia in Lucciana cumu fà" (Genealogy in Lucciana, how to do it).

The museum invites you to a deep dive into Corsican genealogy on Saturday, December 16th at 10 AM during the conference titled "Genealugia in Lucciana cumu fà" (Genealogy in Lucciana, how to do it).

At the heart of this conference, we will explore essential documents such as parish registers, civil status records, censuses, and consanguinity dispensations, among others. We will also focus on innovative tools like DNA, now available for genealogical research. Special attention will be given to the richness and uniqueness of Corsica, with a focus on documents related to the village of Lucciana.

The conference will continue with insights into Corsican specifics in genealogical research and the challenges they pose. Finally, the Corsican genealogical association will showcase some of its emblematic work in genealogy.

The conference will be led by André Flori, a former senior officer in the Air Force and current president of the Corsica Genealugia association for the past 10 years. With extensive experience, he has contributed to several major works on Corsican genealogy and has reconstructed the history of families from various villages in the region.

Join us for this fascinating journey into Corsican family history!

For more information, contact us by phone at 04 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

The museum is pleased to invite you to an exceptional musical event in the company of the Magicanima group. Dive into a world that harmoniously blends captivating voices and enchanting melodies from the regions of Corsica, Sardinia, Italy, and much more!

Magicanima is composed of two voices and two guitars and takes you on a musical journey full of emotions. Their repertoire is a subtle blend of original creations, traditional songs, and captivating melodies drawn from the cultures of the Mediterranean Basin. From Corsica to Sardinia, and through Italy and Argentina, their music will transport you to distant lands and make you feel the richness of these historically tinged territories.

While Argentine Milonga and Tango harmoniously make their way into their compositions, Magicanima also stands out for its opening to all other Argentine musical influences, reflecting the diversity and depth of the plains and landscapes of this country.

Magicanima is more than just a concert; it is a polyphony of memories, a meeting between cultures and traditions, all while being oriented towards the future, inviting you to explore the musical horizons of tomorrow.

Join us on Saturday, September 9th, at 4 p.m. at the Mariana Lucciana museum for this unique musical experience. Admission is free, offering everyone the opportunity to participate in this memorable event.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to this exceptional musical event at the Mariana museum. Come celebrate cultural and musical diversity with us!

For more information, contact us by phone at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

As part of National Architecture Days, we are pleased to invite you to a conference on Saturday, October 14th at 10 AM, focusing on contemporary architecture in Corsica, presented by Julien Darbon Patrimonio.

First, discover a unique panorama of island architecture with an immersion into the award-winning projects of the Regional Architecture Awards in Corsica - 1st edition, presented by the Maison de l'Architecture Corse. Broaden your horizons with an exploration of the agency's flagship projects, encompassing both construction and renovation. Lastly, Pierre André Asara will present the ongoing architectural revival (riacquistu).

This conference promises an immersion into the Corsican architectural landscape, highlighting the dialogue between heritage and innovation. Come explore the subtleties of design and how Corsican culture expresses itself through its buildings and territory.

For more information, contact us by phone at 04 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. We look forward to sharing this exciting moment with you!

This Saturday, October 7th, at the Museum of Levie: "Mariana in Light!"

The Alta Rocca Museum in Levie opens its doors and is pleased to invite you to a conference on Saturday, October 7th at 2:30 PM.

Explore the treasures and mysteries of the "Archaeological Site Museum of Mariana - Prince Rainier III of Monaco," through a presentation by our director, Ophélie de Peretti, a native of Levie.

Admission is free for all. A big thank you to the Levie Museum for this collaboration that promotes the Mariana Museum beyond its territory.

For more information or any questions regarding the organization, the Alta Rocca Museum team is at your service at 04 95 78 00 73.

The Museum of Mariana is delighted to invite you to the European Heritage Days, next weekend. For the 40th edition of this unmissable event, we will take you on a journey to discover our rich archaeological heritage.

On Saturday, September 16th, and Sunday, September 17th, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, our museum and its archaeological park will open their doors to welcome you for free. For this occasion, we have scheduled 6 flash guided tours every day. At the museum, three guided tours will be organized at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. On the archaeological site, they will take place at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM, allowing you, for those who wish to visit the museum and/or the archaeological site with a mediator.

The guided tours are open to everyone, and admission is free during these two days.

For more information, please call us at +33 4.20.19.02.40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Mithraeum of Mariana, the only sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras discovered in Corsica to date. Join us on Thursday, August 17th at 3:30 PM for this exceptional guided tour led by Camille Anardin. Follow in his footsteps and explore the rituals and secrets of this ancient religion, originating from the Persian world but highly esteemed among the Romans.

Reservation is mandatory (limited spots available) at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or via musee@mariana-lucciana.fr. Our team is at your disposal for any additional information.

Are you looking for an immersive and captivating musical experience? Look no further! The Mariana Museum invites you to attend an exceptional interactive concert, showcasing the agro-pastoral music of the Mediterranean basin.

Join us on Saturday, July 8th at 4 PM for a spatio-temporal journey filled with Corsican melodies and much more. Christian Andreani will introduce you to the iconic traditional instruments of this rich musical tradition and will transport you into the historical context that surrounds them.

Admission is free, so feel free to invite your friends, and family to join you for this unique cultural experience. Mark this date in your calendar now and get ready to have a memorable time at the Mariana Museum.

For more information, please contact us by phone at +33 4 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr

For the first time since its opening, we are pleased to offer you a concert at the museum.

The Trio Elixir performs string instruments to offer you a not-so-classical concert.

An astonishing and interactive musical experience will be exceptionally presented this Saturday, June 24th, at 4:00pm. Free admission. 

This year, we are the ones moving to offer you a workshop: Looking for the lost shard! For the European Archaeology Days. Indeed, the EAD will take place on June 16th, 17th, and 18th at the Alta Rocca Museum and the Capula site in Levie. Come and discover workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations of all kinds with archaeologists working in Corsica. All information is available at www.journees-archeologie.eu

The Principality of Monaco honors us by hosting the annual event of the Grimaldi Historic Sites in Monaco. The archaeological site museum of Mariana - Prince Rainier III of Monaco and the Marana-Golo Tourism Office will be present in the activity village around the Princely Palace on Saturday, June 10th, and Sunday, June 11th, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. These are expected to be exceptional days.

For the first time since our opening, the Museum of Mariana takes part in the European Night of Museums !

On the program : a convention about Mithraism in the Roman world followed by a guided tour about the Mithraeum found in Mariana. As of today’s date, it is the only sanctuary dedicated to Mithra – who came from Persian Civilisation, discovered in Corsica.

For the first time since our opening, the Museum of Mariana takes part in the European Night of Museums !

On the program : a convention about Mithraism in the Roman world followed by a guided tour about the Mithraeum found in Mariana. As of today’s date, it is the only sanctuary dedicated to Mithra – who came from Persian Civilisation, discovered in Corsica.

Starting today, April 23, 2024, the museum is getting into its #HauteSaison rhythm!
We are now open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm.

Take advantage of the high season to explore or revisit our collections. For a complete immersion, join us on the guided tours available on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 pm.

Guided tours in English on request.

We also offer workshops for children and families on request, including games and manipulations around Mariana's history and collections.

For any further information, contact us on 04 20 19 02 40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

The Museum of Mariana is delighted to invite you to the European Heritage Days, September 21st and 22nd. For the 41th edition of this unmissable event, we will take you on a journey to discover our rich archaeological heritage.

The museum and archaeological park are accessible free on Saturday, September 21st, and Sunday, September 22nd, from 10 AM to 7 PM. A guide will be available to answer your questions in the permanent exhibition. 

For more information, please call us at +33 4.20.19.02.40 or by email at musee@mariana-lucciana.fr.

From November 24th, 2023, to September 22nd, 2024, the Museum of the Archaeological Site of Mariana presents the temporary exhibition: "Rainier III of Monaco, in the footsteps of Saint Devota."

This exhibition is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Museum of Mariana, the Cultural Affairs Department of the Princely Government, and the Archives Service of the Palace and participate in the commemorations of the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III.