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Esplanade & Place de Liberation, Nimes, France, 2015[open in full screen]  

 
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City of Nimes is one more historic town in the Provence, France. Roman amphitheater, Built around AD 70, located at he edge of this space is one of the few surviving structures from those times. It went true many stages from being a place for fortified palace, then the safe neighbourhood for seven hundred people and two churches, to be remodelled in 1863 to serve as a bull ring. This Arena is the site of two annual bullfights during the Feria de Nîmes, and it is also used for other public events.

The other saved Roman structure, not very far from here, is the Maison Carrée, best preserved Roman temple façade to be found anywhere in the territory of the former Roman Empire, built in 4-7 AD, it was dedicated to Gaius Caesar [photo bottom left].

  As with many places around the world creation of the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle goes back to first half of the XVI century, when the consul Jacques d' Albenas wanted to provide the city with a space intended for the exercises of artillery. It is only at XIX century that the esplanade becomes a true place of walk.

In 1841, the municipal council decided to establish Avenue Feuchères and Boulevard de la Liberation bordering the square. The complete refitting of the esplanade conceived like a true garden was eventually inaugurated on April 7, 2012.

Several major buildings surround the esplanade, Roman amphitheater in the west, Palais de Justice in the north and the church Sainte-Perpétue et Sainte-Félicité built in 1864, in the east.

  The Pradier fountain is a monumental marble fountain inaugurated on the esplanade of Nimes, on June 1, 1851. Its principal element, young woman standing, represents in an allegorical way the town of Nimes, surrounded by four sitting statues, representing four major rivers of the area. Office de Tourisme, one very unusual structure is also located in the park. I was personally attracted to the square by the fact that this space hosts two carousels. I am somewhat obsessed with carousels, I have very many of those in my collection from around the world, but I have never seen any public spaces having more than one of them. I think it is a very good sign that this area of Nimes is extremely popular with kids.

Even with all of this history behind Nimes still has contemporary vibe with fancy modern art gallery, Care d'Art, and lot of little details like logo on the pavement all around.

menadering MEANDER ⇢ French Squares

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ceremonial
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Last time updated on December 12, 2020 11:02