Roman heritage - Fréjus Tourist Office

The echo of the Roman past

Fréjus, a city where every stone tells a thousand-year-old story, stands proudly, bearing witness to its rich Roman heritage.

Founded by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Forum Iulii, its ancient name, quickly became a major port of the Roman Empire.

Thus, the remains that mark its territory are the guardians of a glorious past, bearing witness to the splendors of a bygone era.

A journey through time: the Fréjus Amphitheatre and its ancient shows

At the heart of this Roman city, the amphitheater stands majestically, like an echo of the grandiose spectacles that captivated the crowds of the time. Built at the end of the 10st century, it could accommodate more than 000 spectators, providing an ideal setting for the games and shows that punctuated the lives of the inhabitants.

Beside it, the aqueduct, a true feat of engineering, snaked through the landscape, carrying water to the city.

It thus bears witness to the ingenuity and know-how of Roman builders, a legacy that still impresses today.

The Fréjus Aqueduct

A true witness to the ingenuity of Roman builders

The Roman fishpond

The archaeological excavations, rigorously carried out by the Archaeology Department of Fréjus, have revealed numerous buried treasures.

Among them, the Roman fishpond, discovered in 2008 and perfectly preserved, is offered to the admiring gaze of visitors.

Furthermore, this unique vestige bears witness to the importance of fishing and fish farming in daily life.

It thus becomes the living symbol of Fréjus’ commitment to preserving its history.”

Fréjus: a history of rebirths

But the greatness of Fréjus does not stop at the testimonies of its Roman era. Indeed, the city, resilient by nature, has been able to face the storms of time.

Abandoned by the sea, its silted port led to an inevitable decline. However, it has managed to rise from the ashes.

Over the centuries, Fréjus was transformed. First, it became an episcopal city under the aegis of Saint-Léonce, then a place where faith and history intertwine.

Fréjus: preserving the past, embracing the future

Fréjus is constantly reinventing itself, preserving its heritage while embracing the future. Indeed, the projects to enhance the Roman port, a link between old and new Fréjus, are evidence of this desire.

In this way, the city pays tribute to its heritage while incorporating it into modernity. In addition, the alleys full of history, archaeological remains and emblematic monuments invite each visitor on a journey through time.

So, Fréjus is not just a city; it is a living story, a mosaic of intersecting and intertwining stories, a dazzling Roman heritage and an unwavering resilience. It is this essence that makes Fréjus a jewel of the Var and the Côte d'Azur, an unmissable destination where history and modernity come together harmoniously to amaze and inspire all who set foot on its lands.

Roman amphitheater of Fréjus

Roman Theatre of Fréjus

Roman aqueduct of Fréjus

A heritage from multiple eras

Although Fréjus is primarily known for its Roman heritage, the city also offers a wealth of history that extends to other periods. From the Middle Ages to the modern era, including contemporary heritage, each era has left its mark, contributing to the diversity and soul of our city. These different legacies, whether architectural, artistic or urban, today shape the unique character of Fréjus, between tradition and modernity.