Today, the old port of Fréjus is far from the sea, but its maritime remains remain visible. Classified as Historic Monuments in 1886, they bear witness to a glorious past. The entrance to the port was protected by the famous "Lantern of Augustus". This majestic lighthouse served as a landmark for sailors

The Lantern of Augustus

A Silent Guide for Sailors: The Safety Lantern

It was not an imposing lighthouse, but a 10-meter hexagonal tower, topped with a pyramid. It stood on the horizon, guiding navigators. For the Romans, navigation at sea was approximate. They followed the coast, spotting natural or bitter landmarks. Thus, the "lantern" offered a reassuring welcome to returning crews.

Lantern of Auguste Fréjus

The Lantern of Augustus: between history and mystery

The name of the lantern pays homage to Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. With his general Agrippa, he designed this port after the victory of Actium in 31 BC. This historic site still stands, carved in the brown sandstone of the Esterel and supported by a solid lime mortar. Around the lantern, a mystery persists. Not far away, a tuff structure still intrigues archaeologists. Is it a forgotten temple or a support for a protective chain, as Vitruvius suggested? The mystery remains.

Today, the Lantern of Augustus, frozen in silence, still whispers stories of ancient sailors. These stories evoke beliefs and invocations to the gods of the sea. They bear witness to a time when boldness and faith guided sailors more surely than the stars.

Was this content useful to you?