In the 4th – 3rd centuries BC, Gallic (Celtic) tribes lived here, who were conquered by the Romans in 121 BC. On the site of the Celtic settlement, Emperor Augustus founded a new city. The name of the deity worshipped by the local Celtic tribe – Volki, was perceived by the Romans as “Nemaus”, which was later shortened to “Nemus”, and then to “Nim”.
The old deity was also revered by the conquerors, who erected many altars here dedicated to both the gods of Rome and the gods of the conquered peoples. Thanks to its favorable location in the wine-growing region and the privileges granted by the emperors, Nim became one of the largest cities in southern France.
The city has preserved many monuments from the Roman era – it is often called the French Rome. Roman arenas, built 2000 years ago for gladiatorial fights and festivities, have been preserved here. These arenas are among the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world. It accommodates up to 23,000 spectators. The elliptical shape and arrangement of the rows provide excellent visibility of the arena from any place. In the Middle Ages, the amphitheater was used as a fortress and served as a refuge for the population in times of danger. Here, the viscounts of Nîmes, who governed the city, built a castle, and then fortified residential houses, two chapels, and a water supply system appeared, all made from the same stones. In the 19th century, all residential buildings inside were demolished, and the amphitheater regained its original appearance. Today, concerts, festivals, sports competitions, and annual ferias – bullfights (unlike the Spanish corrida, the bulls are not killed) take place here.
Many other ancient buildings have been preserved.
The Maison Carrée temple (“Square House”, late 1st century BC) – an elegant temple of the ancient forum dedicated to Augustus’ grandsons – is a true marvel of Greco-Roman architecture. It served as a meeting place for the consuls. The church of Madeleine in Rome was built in its image and likeness.
The Gates of Augustus (1st century BC) – once the entrance to Nîmes – allowed passage through the fortress walls and the moat that protected the city from attacks.
At the top of the Cavalier hill stands the Tour Magne, built also in the 1st century BC. This tower is part of the fortress walls that once surrounded the city. Recently, a panorama was installed here, demonstrating what Nîmes looked like in the Roman era. At the foot of the hill lies the “Garden of Fountains” (Jardins de la Fontaine 1745-1755), built in the style of Versailles. This is a garden of the Age of Enlightenment, an era of nostalgia for ancient times. Here is the famous spring of Nemausus – the water deity and guardian of the city for two millennia. At the very spring stands the temple of Diana – the ruins of an ancient sanctuary. Not far from the garden is a unique monument of Roman culture – the Castellum reservoir – a testament to the Roman aqueduct system that supplied the city with spring water.
Nîmes has many museums.
The Old Nîmes Museum is located in the episcopal palace and exhibits collections of old furniture, clothing, dishes, etc. Here, magnificent shawls made according to ancient patterns are sold.
The Museum of Fine Arts features: a mosaic panel from the Gallo-Roman era, as well as French, Italian, Flemish, and Dutch paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries.
You can also visit the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Zoological Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.
While walking around the city, it will be interesting to stroll along the Merchants’ Street (rue des Marchands), the Herbs Square (Place des Herbes), and the Clock Square (Place de I’Horloge), where the French writer Alphonse Daudet was born.
