Tour Magne

Nîmes, France

The Tour Magne, or the Great Tower, is the only remnant of the ancient Augustan fortifications. Standing at the highest point of the Nïmes, Mont Cavalier, it overlooks the entire plain and is a focal point for all means of communication.

The tower was originally a dry-stone oval tower, with a maximum height of 18m and already part of a rampart. A structure that was both prestigious and strategic, it represented sanctuary and protected the oppidum. By doubling its height and incorporating it into the town walls, Augustus demonstrated the new power of the colony of Nîmes over the 'City' (in the territorial sense) of the Volcae. When the town’s population abandoned the higher ground, the Tour Magne nevertheless continued to play a military role. It was used to defend against the English during the Hundred Years’ War.

References:

arenes-nimes.com

Address

Rue de la Tour Magne 18, Nîmes, France

See all sites in Nîmes

Details

Founded: around 0 AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Roman Gaul (France)

More Information

arenes-nimes.com

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Arena of Nîmes (1,2 km)
Maison Carrée (0,8 km)
Jardins de la Fontaine (0,3 km)
Temple of Diana (0,4 km)
Museum of Old Nîmes (1 km)
Nîmes Cathedral (1 km)

Arles Amphitheatre (29,1 km)
Palais des Papes (38,6 km)
Avignon Cathedral (38,6 km)
Arles Roman Theatre (29,2 km)
St. Trophime Church (29 km)
Arles Obelisk (29 km)
Château des Baux (37,4 km)
Musée du Petit Palais (38,6 km)
Arles Cryptoporticus (29 km)

User Reviews

Makeda G (3 years ago)
So so so cool! It is a good walk through the park to get to Tour Magne, but it is definitely worth it. Once you climb up the many stairs, the view of Nîmes is truly breathtaking!

Robert Wastyn (3 years ago)
Nice view. 142 steps

SuHyeong Jin (3 years ago)
Wonderful panorama view of Nimes from the top of the ancient tower. The building is very old and natural. Recommend to visit once you’ve arrived in Nimes :)

Natalie Daz (3 years ago)
Located on Mount Cavalier, it is a Gallo-Roman monument. It is actually a pre-Roman building transformed in the time of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD). It is the most imposing vestige of the very long Roman wall of Nîmes. The tower was 18 m high at the end of the 3rd century BC. Then in Roman times it was 36 m high. Today the tower is only 32.50 m high. You can go up the tower and from here there is a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Ervins Steins (4 years ago)
Nice place for walk, sports, family and rest...

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