Nîmes is a former Roman colony in Occitania and a city with many attractions. No wonder that Roman buildings remain here.
Some history…
Nimes (ancient Nemausus) is located in the Occitania region, right next to Provence, close to Avignon and Arles. Centuries ago, it was an important Roman colony located on the Via Domitia route from Italy to Spain. The city flourished in the 2nd century AD. At that time, it had all the important Roman buildings typical of cities of greater importance. Unfortunately, few of them have survived to this day. However, you can admire several ancient objects and enjoy the typically Provençal charm of the area.
The most fully preserved Roman building is the Amphitheater in Nîmes. For decades, the infamous gladiator fights took place there. The arena is proudly called by locals the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. It is estimated that there were as many as 400 facilities of this type within the borders of ancient Rome!
There is also a temple from Roman times – The Temple of Maison Carrée – in surprisingly good condition. During the day, there are many residents on the temple steps, but later in the day the monument stands almost empty. Unfortunately, the interior was turned into a room with a small historical exhibition.
The next most important monument is The Tour Magne tower located at the top of Mont Cavalier. In the past, the tower was part of the fortifications surrounding the city and the highest point of the entire colony. Today we can go inside and climb to the viewpoint from which we can see the panorama of the city from a distance.
Walking towards the Magne tower, we will pass through The Jardins de la Fontaine, which was one of the first public gardens in France. The garden impresses with its interesting architectural solutions. It was designed by royal engineers and built during the active development of the city in the 18th century.
Today, we can see the ruins of the ancient temple of Diana for free, which are preserved in relatively good condition.
Let’s pay attention on Porte Auguste is a historic city gate. It was one of the most important entry points because it connected the city with the ancient road Via Domitia. Today, the ruins of the gate, separated by a fence, remain preserved.
Porte de France – another of the city gates. It was part of the defensive walls built by Lesdiguières in the 17th century and opened onto the road towards Lyon. Today, it is the monument to the soldiers killed in WWI & WWII.
Roman vestige (this is one of two still in this condition, the other being in Pompeii) The Castellum is the point of arrival in Nîmes of the 50-kilometre aqueduct built between 40 and 60 AD to bring water from Eure spring near Uzès.
From this circular tank (5.90 m in diameter, 1.40 m deep) carved into the rock, lead pipes carried the water to the monuments, the public fountains and the different parts of the city.
Beautiful Roman buildings, mostly preserved or ruins, give the city of Nîmes a different expression. Tourists from all over the world are interested in the miraculous remains of the ancient Roman empire.
