Porte d'Auguste
One of Nîmes' two remaining Roman gates, this 16-15 BCE marvel was a key part of ancient fortifications on the Via Domitia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Porte d'Auguste
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
One of Nîmes' two remaining Roman gates, this 16-15 BCE marvel was a key part of ancient fortifications on the Via Domitia.
"A remarkably preserved Roman gate, offering a tangible link to Nîmes' ancient past."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots from across the road for a clear view, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Walk the Via Domitia
Imagine ancient travelers as you stand where the historic Via Domitia once passed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Roman Archway
Main structure
Marvel at this remarkably preserved Roman gate, a testament to ancient engineering and a key part of Nîmes' historical fortifications.
Commemorative Inscriptions
Above the arches
Read the ancient inscription detailing Emperor Augustus' gift of the city walls and gates to the citizens of Nîmes.
Via Domitia Connection
Adjacent to the gate
Imagine Roman travelers arriving via the historic Via Domitia, the vital road connecting Italy and Hispania.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding Its Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots from across the road for a clear view, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Walk the Via Domitia
Imagine ancient travelers as you stand where the historic Via Domitia once passed.
🧐 Look for Inscriptions
Discover the historical significance etched into the stone, detailing Emperor Augustus' gift.
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
The gate is near busy roads; be cautious when crossing and viewing.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots from across the road for a clear view, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Walk the Via Domitia
Imagine ancient travelers as you stand where the historic Via Domitia once passed.
🧐 Look for Inscriptions
Discover the historical significance etched into the stone, detailing Emperor Augustus' gift.
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
The gate is near busy roads; be cautious when crossing and viewing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Porte d'Auguste as a significant surviving remnant of Nîmes' Roman past, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient fortifications and its strategic importance on the Via Domitia. While its preservation is noted, some find its integration into the modern urban landscape somewhat restrictive for viewing and photography.
"One of the two remaining Roman gates in Nîmes, this structure dates back to around 16–15 BCE, during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was part of the city's ancient fortifications and served as one of its main gates. An inscription commemorates Augustus' gift of the city walls and gates to the citizens. The original city walls once extended approximately 7 kilometers around Nîmes. It marked a major entrance along the historic Via Domitia, the Roman road linking Italy and Hispania."
Seokjin Ham
"The Augustus archway is a perfect Roman architectural statement which is able to be seen near complete with Augustus statue."
Adie Klein
"The ancient ruins of the former Roman city wall that once encircled the city. It's great to see that a small section is still preserved.""
Joost Huls
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Porte d'Auguste is centrally located in Nîmes, easily accessible on foot from the city center. It's situated near the intersection of Boulevard de l'Amiral Courbet and Avenue Jean Jaurès. Public transport options are available, with bus stops nearby.
Parking can be challenging in the city center. Several paid parking garages are available within walking distance, such as the Arènes or Gambetta parking lots.
Yes, the Porte d'Auguste is a short walk from the Roman Amphitheatre (Arènes de Nîmes), making it easy to combine visits to these historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Porte d'Auguste is an open-air monument and is freely accessible to the public at all times.
As an outdoor monument, the Porte d'Auguste has no set opening or closing hours and can be viewed at any time.
There is no entrance fee to view the Porte d'Auguste. It is a public monument that can be admired from the surrounding streets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best views are often from across the street to appreciate its scale and completeness. Be mindful of traffic when viewing.
A visit to the Porte d'Auguste typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on your interest in historical details and photography.
While a significant portion remains, some parts are less preserved and integrated with modern structures. However, its historical essence is very much intact.
It's one of the two remaining Roman gates in Nîmes, dating back to 16-15 BCE. It was a main entrance on the Via Domitia and part of the city's ancient fortifications.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the monument. The 'golden hour' can provide beautiful warm tones.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use at the Porte d'Auguste, as it's an outdoor public monument.
Shooting from across the street provides a clear, unobstructed view. Experiment with different angles to capture its grandeur and surrounding context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Encourage kids to imagine Roman soldiers or merchants passing through the gate. Point out the inscriptions and discuss Emperor Augustus to make the history come alive. It's a great spot for a quick photo op that sparks curiosity about the past.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Pro Tip: Experiment with different vantage points. Shooting from across the street often yields the most complete and dramatic shots. Consider using a wider lens to incorporate some of the surrounding urban elements for a contrasting effect, or a telephoto lens to focus on the intricate details of the arches and inscriptions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Roman Nîmes
While time and urban development have altered its immediate surroundings, the Porte d'Auguste remains one of the two surviving Roman gates in Nîmes, offering a tangible connection to its ancient heritage. Its architectural style is a classic example of Roman engineering, designed to impress and to defend. Visitors can still appreciate the scale and grandeur of this ancient structure, imagining the bustling activity that once passed through its arches centuries ago.
For those interested in a deeper understanding, a 19th-century cork model of the Porte d'Auguste, created by Auguste Pelet, offers a fascinating reconstruction of its original appearance between 1793 and 1848. This model, displayed at the museum, provides valuable context for appreciating the gate's historical significance and architectural evolution.
Navigating the Urban Landscape
Despite these urban constraints, the monument's presence is undeniable. The original paving stones and blocks are still visible, allowing visitors to connect with the past and envision the scene as it was for Romans and serfs centuries ago. The key is to approach the viewing with an understanding of its context – a historical gem nestled within a vibrant, modern city.
To best appreciate the Porte d'Auguste, consider visiting during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more peaceful experience, allowing for better observation and photography without the constant flow of traffic. This timing also provides more favorable lighting conditions, enhancing the visual appeal of the ancient stonework.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit