ARENAS OF NÎMES
One of the best preserved arenas in the world, an essential vestige of ancient history, the emblem of Nîmes.
Dating from the end of the 1st century, this vestige of ancient history is the emblem of Nîmes. This monument to the Roman Empire is one of the best preserved in the world, better than the Colosseum. The amphitheatre is 133 m long and 101 m wide. Its perfectly symmetrical façade, 21 m high, is divided into 60 bays on two levels. Some of the bas-reliefs and sculptures are still very well preserved. Gradually, pagan pleasures and barbarism had no place, and the spectacle of the games was called into question. Gladiators disappeared in 404 CE. In the 12th century, a castle was built inside the enclosure, and a village had already sprung up around the monument: "les chevaliers des arènes" (the knights of the arena) were born. In the 18th century, work began on clearing and restoring the amphitheatre to its original appearance. In 1840, the Nîmes arena was classified as a Historic Monument. The Culturespace foundation, which manages the arena, offers a number of prestigious events. On May 30, 1952, the first official féria was held: bullfighting became legal. Since then, the Whitsun féria has become one of the most renowned, much to the delight of aficionados. In the forecourt, the statue of France's greatest matador, El Nimeño II, can be admired. The bullfighter dedicated his life and soul to the bullring. One day in September 1989, a bull called Pañolero got the better of the idol and broke his cervical vertebrae. The bullring is also a popular venue for open-air concerts.
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Molt original!!Parada obligatòria per gaudir d'aquesta ciutat tan històrica que també té el parc romà més antoc d'Europa.