Nimes - french city with roman spirit

Nimes is a city situated in south-east France, found by Celts and led by the Roman Empire from 120 B.C. Interesting story is connected with city's emblem. Roman's emperors who were fighting in Egypt many times after fight settled in Nimes, from there come sign of crocodile and palm (crocodile and palm were associated to Egypt of course, beside that palm symbolizes also victory). Inscription "COLNEM" from emblem was meant for Colonia Nemausus, meaning the 'colony' of  'Nemausus'. In one of city square we can find lovely fountain with a crocodile (if You try a little You can jump in and ride on a crocodile:). Roman control was ended by the Visigoths in 473 AD. Nimes is the capital of the Gard department in the Languedoc-Roussilon region. Through the city leads the railway of TGV line to Paris and Lyon.

Nimes Amphitheatrum (fot. Przemysław Sakrajda)

One of the biggest attraction of a city is amphitheater. The best preserved roman arena in France, the biggest amphitheater in Roman Province - Gallia, built at the end of the first century, makes a really big impression. Nowadays inside are concerts and bull fighting. It's 133 meters long and 101 meters wide and contains place for 20 000 people.

Nimes , Roman Temple Maison Carrée (fot. ChrisO) nowadays after renovation

Roman temple - The Maison Carrée
Small Roman Temple also built in the first century, dedicated to sons of Agrippa. Nowadays inside there is a little cinema where You can see story-of-history of Nimes in 3D. Personally i think that it's a fail, we couldn't visit temple from inside without buying ticket to cinema. In XVI century people started to call this temple "Maison Carrée" which in french language means "Square House". In the roman times it was placed in the middle of forum.

Besides these remains in Nimes You can see also:
-La Temple De Diane (dedicated to Octawian August and his family)
-Tour Magne (roman tower to observe)
-Ancient Gate to city (the Porta Augusta and the Porte de France)
-Castellum Divisorium (remains of aqueduct)
-Pont du Gard - ancient aqueduct situated 20 kilometers away from the city (really worth to see) nowadays used as a bridge.
-Catedra Notre Dame et Saint Castor built in 1096
-Beffroi (tower from 15th-century)
- Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain) from 18th-century