Titelberg Regional Archaeological Research Center

 

A brief history

 

The Fond-de-Gras archaeological centre was created in 1986, following the intensification of excavations at the Titelberg oppidum by Jeannot Metzler, then curator at the Musée National d'Histoire et d'Art (MNHA), and his team. Following in his footsteps, his successor Catherine Gaeng not only continued excavations on the site after he retired, but also developed an archaeological base there until her own retirement in 2023.

From the outset, this institution, which over the years has become the Centre Régional de Recherche Archéologique du Titelberg under the aegis of the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques (INRA), was conceived as a focal point for the exchange of knowledge and experience between archaeology students, protohistorical researchers and specialists from different disciplines and different regions of the European continent. Thanks to the organisation of conferences, workshops and excavation camps, many specialists have been trained here over the years, some of whom are now respected members of the international scientific community.

The centre's location at the foot of the major archaeological site that is the oppidum at Fond-de-Gras is also interesting from another point of view. Fond-de-Gras was a former iron ore transfer station from one of Luxembourg's most important mining centres. After mining activity ceased in the 1970s, this industrial wasteland was almost completely abandoned. It was only in the second half of the 1980s that plans were made to create a multicultural park with the support of the Ministry of Culture. The aim of this project was to bring together the industrial aspect of the site, the mining railway, the Celtic oppidum of Titelberg and even - a precursor for the time - the ecological aspect by developing the Giele Botter nature reserve. Alongside these initiatives and advances, the project has also resulted in the former miners' café Bei der Giedel being classified as a heritage site.

The accommodation provided by Minett Park Fond-de-Gras a.s.b.l. in part of the Archaeological Centre building, as well as the development of excavations on the Titelberg oppidum and its development as a local recreational site, have enabled the archaeologists to play an active part in the development of the Fond-de-Gras Open Air Museum (https://minettpark.lu/), a project to which they have been committed ever since.

 

Our mission

 

Archéologiques, the Centre's main mission is to promote and develop the study of Protohistory in Luxembourg and the Greater Region, to support researchers in their professional development in this scientific discipline and to facilitate contacts between people involved in the field of cultural heritage within different institutions.

The Regional Centre is a scientific dependency of the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques and is equipped with all the essential facilities for the treatment of archaeological materials, such as washing, re-sizing, drawing, photography, preparation of samples for analysis, study and microscopic analysis of archaeological furniture. Our premises also provide space for the preparation and presentation of scientific research, as well as for discussions and professional training. Thanks to our network, we are able to provide researchers with free accommodation in the surrounding area, if circumstances so require.

To facilitate your research, we have brought together the libraries of the Protohistoric Archaeology Service, including the holdings of eminent researchers such as Alfred Haffner and Patrice Méniel, to offer researchers access to a plethora of publications on subjects relating to Protohistory and the transition to the Gallo-Roman period in the Grande Région. This specialist documentary resource also includes the most recent research in the field.

 

Our projects

 

Annual conference on archaeological research in Luxembourg and the Greater Region

As part of our fundamental mission to connect, promote and support large-scale archaeological research, we regularly organise the Journées d'actualités de la recherche archéologique au Luxembourg.

 

Guided tours of the Titelberg oppidum

As part of our commitment to promoting our heritage, we offer guided tours of the Titelberg oppidum for groups. If you have any questions, please contact  (guylouis.kummer at gmail dot com)

 

Reconstructions on the Titelberg oppidum.

Project currently under development.

Collective work in progress:

  • Liber amicorum pour l’ancienne conservatrice du service d’archéologie protohistorique de l’INRA Catherine Gaeng ;
  • Publication de la dernière fouille d’envergure sur l’oppidum concernant le comptoir romain et la présence militaire romaine dans la première moitié du premier siècle avant notre ère ;
  • Die Rettungsgrabungen in Grevenmacher-Granzegebur und die Entwicklung der Siedlungskammer Potaschberg in der Eisenzeit.

Master's and doctoral projects we are participating in:  

  • Sherry De Pascale. Les meules protohistoriques de type « va-et-vient » du territoire actuel du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. Centre Universitaire d'Archéométrie et de Microanalyse, sous la direction de la professeure associée Oliva Menozzi ;
  • Carlo Glod (en coopération avec Francois Valotteau – Service d'archéologie préhistorique de INRA et la Société préhistorique luxembourgeoise). Université d'Innsbruck, sous la direction du Dr. Joachim Pechtl.

Partners

Universität des Saarlandes
Université du Luxembourg
Société préhistorique luxembourgeoise a.s.b.l.
Éisleker Geschichtsfuerscher a.s.b.l.
Musée des Celtes de Libramont
Minett Park Fond-de-Gras a.s.b.l.

Honorary members and collaborators of the Titelberg CRRA

Jeannot METZLER
Catherine GAENG
Lydie HOMAN
Nicolas GASPAR
Raymond VENTURINI
Guy KUMMER

For further information:

1, Fond-de-Gras. L-4576 Niederkorn
E-mail : crra.titelberg at inra dot etat dot lu
Tél. (+352) 26 58 11 65


Manager :

Iliya Hadzhipetkov
Institut national de recherches archéologiques
Service d'archéologie protohistorique
E-mail : Iliya.Hadzhipetkov at inra dot etat dot lu
241, rue de Luxembourg. L-8077 Bertrange
Tél. (+352) 26 02 81 - 37


Permanent staff:

Pierre-Benoît Gérard
Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques
Service d'archéologie protohistorique
E-mail : Pierre-Benoit.Gerard at inra dot etat dot lu
241, rue de Luxembourg. L-8077 Bertrange
Tél. (+352) 26 02 81 - 81

David Weis
Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques
Directeur
E-mail : david.weis at inra dot etat dot lu
241, rue de Luxembourg. L-8077 Bertrange
Tél. (+352) 26 02 81 - 41