The basilica dates back to the 11th century and has a crypt and frescoes, as well as the remains of choir stalls from an earlier church. There is a Gallo-Roman room with inscriptions in Latin. Museum display.
The Romans were envious of the Tarentaise valley with its ideal situation on the road connecting Milan to Vienne (France). They envied its micro climate and they already spoke about the pretty russet-coloured cows (the Tarine or Tarentaise cows), whose milk made such good cheese: the "caesum vatusicum", the predecessor of Tomme cheese. Excellent strategists, the Romans subdued the Gallic Ceutrones in around 21 BC and made Aime, under the name of Axima, the capital of the province of the Graian Alps which covered part of the current Savoie and Haute Savoie departments.
From this era, apart from the objects that can be seen in the Pierre Borrione museum, there are the remains of a Roman building. After this was destroyed when the Ormente river flooded, the early Christians built a first church on the ruins and when that burned down, the architects of the year 1000 built a jewel of Savoyard Romanesque art in the same location: St. Martin's Basilica. Listed as a historical monument in 1875, it has not been used as a place of worship for several centuries.
SUMMER 3 July to 2 September (building open, go directly to the site) Open 10am - 1pm & 2.30 - 6pm Closed on Sundays Single rate: 4 €. Free for under 16s
OUTSIDE THE SUMMER SEASON 4 September to 2 July Visits only possible as part of a guided tour booked in advance
Tips
Pass’Partout (access to the Basilica / Château Montmayeur / Pierre Borrione museum): 8€
Ouverture
From 03/07 to 02/09 Opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.30 pm and 6 pm. Closed on Sunday. Non-guided visit, go directly to the site.
From 04/09 to 27/06, daily. Guided tours only, 4 people minimum.
Tarifs
Du 03/07 au 02/09/2023 (Haute saison) Du lundi au samedi de 10h à 13h et de 14h30 à 18h Adulte : 4 € Enfant : Gratuit - de 16 ans.
Hors saison d'été (basse saison) Adulte : 6€ Enfant (8 à 16 ans) : 5€ Visite guidée uniquement, sur rendez-vous au préalable et selon la disponiblité du guide. Minimum 4 personnes
Offre estivale : Pass’Partout (accès visite libre Basilique/ Château Montmayeur / musée Pierre Borrione) au tarif de 8€.
Pass’Partout (accès visite libre Basilque / Château Montmayeur / musée Pierre Borrione) au tarif de 8€
Contact et accès Avenue de Tarentaise Aime 73210 Aime-la-Plagne Savoie (73)
