Uncovering Glanum from a Pile of Rocks in Provence

Nutmeg is reasonably certain she is not the first person to walk through the Glanum archaeological site, near St Remy de Provence, and consider that mankind is relatively insignificant in the passage of time.

Ashes to ashes

Dust to dust

Rocks to rocks

Glanum a Roman oppidum, protected by its fortified walls once housed a flourishing community. The settlement stood on a hillside in the shadow of the rocky, crests of the Alpilles slopes. The Franks in 260AD destroyed Glanum. The population was forced to resettle on the valley floor, giving rise to St Remy de Provence.

Today, the busy D5 road, dissects the two well-preserved structures “les Antiques”, the Mausoleum and the oldest triumphal arch in France, from the rest of the Glanum site. The Mausoleum stands 18M high and the arch formerly the southern gate of the community; both are adorned with scenes commemorating the Roman influences. As noisy motorized traffic rushes by, it is difficult to imagine the previous footprint and former glory of this settlement. Allow yourself to step back in time (read more) and take in the glorious views.

The Mausoleum reaches a height of 18M (60 feet) stretching like a needle towards the cobalt sky. The Mausoleum (Le Mausolée) constructed in 30-20 BC was a funeral monument for a local citizen who fought with Caesar’s army and received honorary Roman citizenship as a result.  The inscription reads, “Sextius, Lucius, Marcus, fils de Caius, de la famille des Julii, à leurs parents.” Degraded by the elements and the passage of time the historical depictions of Roman triumphs on the sides of the monument were copied and replaced in 2007-08.

The Arc de Triomphe, built in 10-25 AD is now 8M (26 feet) high, it would have been taller at the time of construction with all its decorative embellishments at the top. This municipal arch, the former gateway to the Glanum community, is a smaller version of the majestic one found in the city of Orange.

Stone altar dedicated to Cybèle mother goddess of the mountains who rejected Zeus’ advances.

Important details for your visit to Glanum:

Site archéologique de Glanum
Avenue Vincent Van Gogh
13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Click here for opening hours

Continue reading here for the original Ginger and Nutmeg article with details on this important settlement that began with Gallic inhabitants in the 7th Century BC and was occupied until the Romans were forced out by the Franks in 260AD. Glanum is a “Must-visit” site if you are staying in or near St Remy de Provence.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).