Ancient Nimes (France): a touch of ancient history

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

One of the oldest cities in the world is famous for its perfectly preserved ancient Roman buildings. Modern Nimes (France) is a popular tourist center that welcomes guests all year round.

Climate and weather

Nimes' Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, when temperatures rarely fall below 6 degrees, is comfortable for people. However, it is worth considering that strong winds blow here, the speed of which exceeds 100 kilometers per hour. Most often they dominate in autumn and winter, and most foreigners come here between April and September.

A few facts about the ancient city

The cozy city of Nimes, located in the picturesque valley of the Rhone River, is the former capital of the Gallic tribe, which was captured by Roman soldiers in 121 BC. The valiant Emperor Augustus founded a city on this site, which began to develop economically. Unfortunately, after several centuriesthe largest settlement in the country is being attacked by the Visigoths and the Arabs who plundered it.

The main industries of the city, located in the south of the state, on the border of Provence and Languedoc, are wine and textile. So, Nimes (France) became the place where denim was first released.

Les Arènes

An incredibly elegant and well-maintained city, very reminiscent of colorful Paris in miniature, does not look like a provincial one at all. A real open-air museum, nicknamed "French Rome", boasts an abundance of historical corners that keep many secrets.

From past eras, a huge number of ancient architectural monuments remain here, among which the most important is the oval amphitheater Les Arenes, erected before our era. Built on the model of the Roman Colosseum, the building received about 25 thousand spectators, who were fascinated by watching the battles of gladiators and performances with the participation of predators and prisoners condemned to death. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a defensive fortification, and residential buildings grew inside it, demolished after the decision of the local authorities to restore the ancient monument, which Nim (France) is now proud of.

Maison Carrée

The ancient Roman temple of Maison Carré, which has come down to posterity in good condition, is located in the heart of the city. He managed to survive due to the fact that he turned into a Christian church, and in the Middle Ages the building was not destroyed. Since the 19th centuryon its territory there is the National Museum, which introduces visitors to interesting historical exhibits.

Jardins de la Fontaine

The delightful Fountain Garden, a favorite place for strolling, originally supplied the city of Nîmes with drinking water. Later, the luxurious corner turned into a huge complex with a theater, baths, a temple and an imperial palace. In the middle of the 18th century, the authorities decided to build a park on this site, and ancient Roman statues, graceful fountains and double staircases fit perfectly into the classic style of a green oasis.

Temple de Diane (Nimes, France)

What else can tourists see in a picturesque park? Here are the most famous sights that enjoy well-deserved fame. The dilapidated temple of Diana, built in the 2nd century, causes a lot of controversy among scientists who believe that this is not a religious monument, but baths with large halls decorated with columns.

Tour Magne

The most interesting object of Gallo-Roman architecture immediately attracts attention - the unusual looking Tower of Man, included in the list of historical monuments of France, which are protected by UNESCO. From the observation deck of the former mausoleum of a we althy Roman, amazing panoramas of the most beautiful city open up.

Pont du Gard

Colorful Nimes (France), whose sights reflect its rich past, is incredibly proud of the oldest aqueduct over 275 meters long, built in the 1st centuryad. The two-tiered high building of the Pont du Gard was part of a multi-kilometer-long water supply system, from which life-giving moisture entered the city. Later, the perfectly preserved aqueduct was used as a bridge for the crossing of horse-drawn carts.

Corrida and theatrical performances

Inhabitants of the administrative center of the Gard department have been passionate bullfighting lovers from time immemorial, and it is no coincidence that five-day festivals are held in the arenas of the city, including the amphitheater, where bullfighters from around the world show their skills.

Theatrical performances dedicated to different periods of history are also loved in the French pearl. In the evening, when the heat subsides, tourists continue to have fun in nightclubs and themed bars, tasting the best wines for which ancient Nimes (France) is famous throughout the country.

The modern city, whose architectural monuments are very difficult to describe in one article, is a paradise for history buffs. In Nimes, which cherishes the memory of the past, time has stopped, and every tourist unwittingly becomes a participant in important events, getting acquainted with ancient sights.