The Roman splendor in Nimes
Posted on April 25, 2011
The glory of the Roman Empire is epic in this French city, one of your best testimonials. A well-preserved amphitheater and specially designed games allow a unique experience.
The vagaries of history but especially the riddles of architectural conservation have enabled the strongest legacy of the Roman Empire is not in the vicinity of Rome. Not even in Italy.
You have to travel to the French city of Nimes (390 kilometers from Barcelona and 286 of Nice ) to appreciate the architectural wonders that left those days of splendor. The most spectacular is undoubtedly its amphitheater. With capacity for about 16,000 spectators, this work has almost two thousand years old and it already held the typical Roman games during the terms of Claudius and Caligula.
Equipped with 34 steps and surrounded by two levels of galleries separated by 61 arches, transit the amphitheater is a highly recommended experience for all those fascinated by the Roman culture. Incidentally, it is also the ideal place to appreciate the nuances of architectural opulence resulting in the Corinthian and the more sophisticated use of marble.
Revive the time
Maintaining a tradition that attracts more and more tourists from around the world, organizes Nimes late April "The Great Roman Games." On occasion, hundreds of people bring to life competitions as gladiatorial typical, military parades and equestrian games of all kinds.
From this year, travelers can also rent your typical antique Roman costume designed archaeological and historiographical criteria very precise.
Travelers to Nimes, picturesque city of 140 000 inhabitants, should also know that the city has an excellent tourist infrastructure. There are alternatives boutique in the historical district and also of good standard hotels near Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
