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Nimes,
Discovery of the town |
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THE
ARENA
Built between 50 and 100 B.C., the arena of Nimes is without doubt
the most well preserved monument of the Roman world. With inspiration
from the Coliseum of Rome, this amphitheatre was mainly destined
to gladiators combats. Its originality is found in the cleverness
of its easy accessibility to crowds.
In the middle ages, the role of the arena was changed to become
a surrounding wall with residences inside. The first corrida took
place in 1863.
Recently, a mobile roof has been added and the arena is now able
to house various events suchs as concerts, masses, sports, circuses
and theatre.
One can consider the arena of Nimes as the biggest performance hall
in the region Languedoc-Roussillon.
Open to the public when no events are scheduled form march 1st through
September 15.
For information call 04 66 67 29 11
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THE
MAISON CARREE
La Maison carrée n'est pas une maison et n'est pas carrée. C'est
en fait un temple romain de 25m sur 12m, d'inspiration grecque,
qui au départ été dédié à Auguste puis Caius et Lucius César. Ces
derniers étaient considérés comme les princes de la jeunesse et
sont devenus le symboles de Nîmes.
Ce temple construit vers l'an 5 après J-C a eu d'autres fonctions
au gré de l'histoire : un lieu d'assemblée, une maison d'habitation,
une écurie et une église.
De nos jours, la Maison carrée abrite des expositions d'art .
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LES
JARDINS DE LA FONTAINE
Situated at the foot of Mont Cavalier, where stands the Magne Tower,
the 'Jardins de la Fontaine' are the first public gardens set up in
France in 1750. Up to this date gardens were ornaments of the castles
of nobles. The style is typical of the so called 'Siècle des
Lumières'. Vases and stone railings, statues of faunes and
nymphes, peaceful terraces and basins emphazise the influence of antiquity.
One can find there the famous source dedicated to Nemausus and the
temple of Diana.
Opened every day from 9 am to night fall.
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THE MAGNE TOWER
At the top of Mont Cavalier, after crossing the Jardines de la Fontaine,
is a tower which has not yet revealed all of its mysteries. Octagone
shape it has been given the role of a mausoleum, a watch tower, a
site of worship and even a light house in the model of that of Alexandria.
This monument is the highest elevation of Nimes and therefore offers
an open view to the courageous climbers of its 33 meters.
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LE
TEMPLE DE DIANE
In the middle of the Jardins de la Fontaine, not far from the ornamental
lake is found a monument most mysterious : the temple of Diana.
Its primary function has not been determined. Some believe it served
as a sauna or a library. Even though it is partly destroyed, the
temple of Diana remains a magnificient edifice with its vaulted
and juxtaposed arches as well as its imposing columns.
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THE
CATHEDRAL NOTRE DAME & SAINT CASTOR
It is found at the Place aux Herbes in the heart of Nimes. Of the
Roman era, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. It is
a testimony of first Roman-languedocian art. Its particularity is
the scenes from the Old Testament decorating its facade.
Inside the cathedral is found the tomb of the famous cardinal of
Bernis, the "favori" of Madame de Pompadour.He died penniless
due to the Revolution.
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