Nimes

The city of Nimes with 147,000 inhabitants is the capital of the Départements Gard. Already back in the first-century AD, when the Romans founded Nimes and built the Pont du Gard's aqueduct to supply the city with water; Nimes already could look back on a long settlement history. This city was considered a prime example of the Gallo-Roman culture in its full bloom.

Arena of Nimes | ©: www.anduze-info.com

The conquest by the Visigoth during the fifth century heralded for Nimes a troubled time with frequent changing reign, which lasted until the 16th century when Nimes became one of the Huguenot Nimes centres of France. Despite the constant tensions between Catholic and Protestant population, the city experienced especially since the 18th century a continuous economic recovery, whereby wine played a particular role.

Major attractions in Nimes:

Maison Carree

Nimes: Maison Carrée
Maison Carrée | ©: www.anduze-info.com

The Maison Carrée was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus and was dedicated to his prematurely deceased adoptive sons. Today, the Maison Carrée is one of the best-preserved Roman temples ever. In the fifth century, this temple was consecrated as a church and therefore, escaped the destruction of pagan temples. Over time, the temple was rebuilt several times, but the exterior has remained unchanged since it was rededicated in 1823 into a museum.

Arena of Nimes

Arena of Nimes | ©: www.anduze-info.com

The Arena of Nimes was built on the threshold between the first and second century AD and is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Romans. The Arena of Nimes had the capacity to hold up to 24,000 spectators, with seats on two floors. Initially, the Visigoths built the arena as a fortress and used it as living space later. The arena was cleared in 1809 and restored and is ever since a venue for various events.

Porte d'Auguste

The gate was named after Emperor Augustus; the bronze replica of Augustus's statue is still displayed today. Originally, there were two towers right next to the gate, because it was part of the fortification. The Porte d'Auguste has a total of four passageways, two for cars and two for pedestrians.

Castellum

Castellum is a reservoir from which water that has been derived from the Eure, and was passed through the Pont du Gard. The Castellum supplied several Gallo-Roman towns with fresh water.

Le Carré d'Art

At the place where once the Colonnade of the Theatre stood, is now the Carré d'Art. Besides a media library in the basement, the building also houses a museum of contemporary art. On display are mainly works of art from the French, Spanish, Italian, Anglo-Saxon and German art world. The museum covers all the major art movements since the 1960s. This building was designed by Sir Norman Foster.

Musée archéologique

The soil around Nimes is regarded as an inexhaustible source for archaeological findings. These findings can be seen in the Musée Archéologique, which is situated in the old Jesuit Monastery. The exhibition includes jewellery, everyday objects, replicas of Roman monuments made of cork and grave stelae.

Chapelle des Jésuites

The Chapelle des Jésuites was built in the style of Roman buildings. The chapel was primarily used as an exhibition building but is now used as a venue for events. Frequently concerts are held there.

Cathedral Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor

Originally, the cathedral Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor dates back to 1096. However, Sacral building was severely damaged during the religious wars. During the 19th century, it was rebuilt, whereby the original components were mostly replaced.