Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Archaeological Museum of Lectoure originated in the 16th century, after the discovery in 1540 of Taurobolic altars during the construction of the local cathedral. These artifacts, linked to the Eastern cults (Cybel, Mithra) under the Roman Empire, make it one of the oldest museums in France. Installed since 1972 in the vaulted cellars of the Town Hall, it preserves exceptional collections, including the second largest series of taurobolic altars after Rome, dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

The exhibitions cover a wide chronology, from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with objects from the ancient city of the Lactores and its surroundings. The museum highlights Gallo-Roman, Gaulish, Merovingian and medieval remains, complemented by rooms dedicated to local figures such as Marshal Jean Lannes and Admiral Boué de Lapeyre. These sets illustrate the religious, military and technical importance of the region throughout the ages.

The building itself, a former bishop's palace in Lectoure, then prefecture and town hall in the 19th century, adds a heritage dimension to the visit. Its architecture, combined with archaeological collections, offers a unique testimony of regional history, from Roman cultural practices to medieval social organization. The museum benefits from the label Musée de France, highlighting its scientific and historical value.

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