After a day of relaxing around Cassis, we decided to get in the car again and drive about an hour and a half to Nimes (pronounced "Neem").
Roman influence is so apparent in Provence and it's no wonder--I had to keep telling myself I was in France and not Italy. The climate, landscape, and vegetation are all very similar to central Italy. That's probably why the Romans felt so at home here and made lasting impressions.
This was the Arena of Nimes. According to Rick Steves, it is the best perserved Arena of the Roman world. In the Dark Ages, it was bricked up and made a fortress. Then in the 1200s it became a housing community where about 700 people lived, complete with streets, plumbing, and gardens on the top level. Only in 1809 did Napolean kick the people out and make it a historic monument.
Today it hosts bullfights and concerts (Elton John). In the winter an inflateable dome can cover about half the arena with seating for 7,000 people.
Jonas if front of a bullfighter statue. Ezra refused to pose for the picture. He is under the cape.
Judith and Daddy at the restaraunt where we had lunch. I had a Caprese salad with fried eggpant. Mmm.
This was on our guided walk through town. The crocodile and palm tree were emblems of Roman Nimes. It was a favorite retirement home for Roman officers who conqured Egypt. (Croc=Egypt, Palm=Victory).
This is Maison Carree. It is one of the most complete and beautiful buildings surviving from the Roman Empire.
Ezra jumping off some ruins near the temple. He is always jumping off something these days...
Mike and I at Maison Carree.
Ezra and Jonas on the front steps.
Fountain Garden. In 1735, the city needed to build a canal through the town to power the mills and provide water for the indigo dyes for the fabric serge de Nimes (denim). The canal expanded to include this Versailles-like park just 50 yrs after Versailles was built. It has special significance to the people because they were grand and beautiful, but most importantly PUBLIC.
Mike was annoyed that I made him come to this out-of-the-way, little spot tucked back in a neighborhood. It was interesting to me because it was the end of the 30 mile long, Pont du Gard aquaduct. This is one of only 2 known distribution tanks still in existence (the other is in Pompeii). The lower holes were routed through stone and lead pipes to neighborhood wells in squares around the city. The higher holes which were wet only when there was lots of water to be had, went to homes of the wealthy, public baths, and ornamental fountains. Fascinating. :)
The kids and I at the Pont du Gard aquaduct. It is the second tallest Roman structure. Rome's Colosseum is 6 ft higher. The main arch of the bridge is 80ft; the largest Roman arch ever built. Ninety percent of this 30 mile aquaduct is underground. The water made the trip in 24 hours with a drop of only 40 feet.
We stopped at a road side stand on the way and got some Provencal cherries. Yummy! Jonas is feeding some to Mike. Yes, Mike likes cherries. Who knew?!
The best part for the kids was the opportunity to play in the river!
Judith and Mommy!
No comments:
Post a Comment