Sunday, November 28, 2010

Nîmes- part deux


Le Temple de Diana
This temple is quite mysterious, as no one knows when exactly it was built, or to which deity or God it was dedicated. It is estimated that it was built during the 2nd century, and was a part of the Roman baths, as it is situated on the Jardins de la Fontianes. It became a Convent Church for the Benedictine Monastery of St. Savoir in 991, and was a very well-known church throughout the middle ages, but was severely damaged during the Wars of Religion. It is interesting to read about what it originally looked like, because it has been through so much. Apparently, the central hall used to display rich interior decoration like Corinthian pilasters and pillars. It had an entire second floor, which is no longer (but the stairs still exist). A very interesting place to visit.






Les Jardins de la Fontaine
This is one of the most relaxing and beautiful parks I've ever been to. It is the site of the ancient Roman water spring (la source). Though it was abandoned since the early 1700s, as the city grew and a larger source of water was needed, they did research on this abandoned site and realized that it was a rather complex series of channels that had allowed water access to the ancient city of Nîmes. It is mainly just decorative now, but it gives you a good idea of how water was sourced in the city during the Roman era. It was also nice to walk through. There were so many small bridges over water channels, and there's always water under you, so you're always hear the sound of lightly flowing water. It's really gorgeous.










I really really liked this sculpture



 Streets in Nîmes just look like this... so... I'm moving there?

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