One of the oldest cities in the world is famous for its well-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Modern Nîmes (France) is a popular tourist center that hosts guests all year round.
Mediterranean climate of the city of Nimes with hotsummer and mild winter, when the temperature seldom drops below 6 degrees, it is comfortable for people. However, it should be noted that strong winds are blowing here, the speed of which exceeds 100 kilometers per hour. Most often they dominate in autumn and winter, and most foreigners come here from April to September.
The cozy city of Nîmes, located in a picturesquethe valley of the Rhone, is the former capital of the Gallic tribe, captured by the Roman soldiers in 121 BC. Valiant Emperor Augustus founded on this place a city that began to develop economically. Unfortunately, in a few centuries the largest population center of the country has been attacked by the Visigoths and Arabs who plundered it.
The main branches of the city located in the southThe state, on the border of Provence and Languedoc, is winemaking and textile. So, Nîmes (France) became the place where denim fabric was first produced.
Incredibly elegant and well-groomed city, veryresembling a colorful Paris in miniature, does not look like a provincial one. This open-air museum, nicknamed "French Rome", boasts an abundance of historical places that hold many secrets.
From previous eras there remained a hugenumber of ancient architectural monuments, 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 approximately 25,000 spectators, bewitched watching the gladiatorial battles and performances with the participation of predators and prisoners sentenced to death. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a defensive fortification, and inside it grew residential houses demolished after the decision of local authorities to restore the ancient monument, which is now proud of Nîmes (France).
Reached to descendants in good conditionThe ancient Roman temple of Meson Carré 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 structure was not destroyed. Since the XIX century on its territory is the National Museum, which acquaints visitors with curious historical exhibits.
A delightful fountain garden beinga favorite place for walking, initially supplied the city of Nimes 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 XVIII century, the authorities decided to build a park on this place, and the ancient Roman statues, elegant fountains and double staircases very successfully blended with the classical style of the green oasis.
What to see even the tourists who got intoa picturesque park? Here are the most famous sights, enjoying well-deserved fame. The dilapidated temple of Diana, erected in the II century, causes a lot of controversy among scientists who believe that this is not a religious monument, but the thermae with large halls decorated with columns.
Immediately attracts attention the most interestingobject of Gallo-Roman architecture - an unusual looking tower Man, included in the list of historical monuments of France, which are protected by UNESCO. From the observation platform of the former mausoleum of a wealthy Roman, amazing panoramas of the most beautiful city open.
Colorful Nimes (France), sightswhich reflects its rich past, is incredibly proud of the ancient aqueduct of more than 275 meters in length, built in the 1st century AD. The two-tier high structure of Pont du Gard was part of a multi-kilometer water pipe, from which life-giving moisture was supplied to the city. Later, the excellently preserved aqueduct was used as a bridge for ferrying horse drawn carts.
Residents of the administrative center of the department of Garfrom time immemorial are passionate fans of bullfighting, and it is no coincidence in the arenas of the city, including the amphitheater, held five-day festivals, where the bullfighters from around the world show their skills.
In the French pearl is also adoredtheatrical performances, timed to different periods of history. In the evening, when the heat recedes, tourists continue to have fun in nightclubs and themed bars, tasting the best wines that the ancient Nîmes (France) are famous for throughout the country.
Modern city, architectural monumentswhich is very difficult to describe in one article, is a paradise for history buffs. In Nîmes, who cherishes the memory of the past, time has stopped, and every tourist involuntarily becomes a participant in important events, getting acquainted with the antique sights.
