Intertwined in the vegetation, the Roman rampart of Fréjus crosses a landscape where time seems suspended. This "beautiful ruin", as Victor Hugo wrote, can be discovered along a path, punctuated by walls, towers and arches, testifying to the past grandeur of Forum Iulii, which a visitor could see as soon as he arrived in the city.

Roman rampart of Fréjus

A Colossus Through the Ages: The Story of a Monumental Roman Wall

Built during the 35st century AD, this stone colossus has spanned several eras, each phase of construction reinforcing the XNUMX-hectare enclosure.

Listed as a Historic Monument in 1886, this sandstone rampart extends over 4 kilometers, reaching 8 meters in height and 2,5 meters in width.

Two gates still remain visible today: the Porte de Rome to the East and the Porte des Gaules to the West.

The Roman rampart, a majestic vestige of the past, stretches across the historic heart of the city.

The role of the Roman wall in the Aqueduct

The Roman wall was not limited to a defensive function. 

In its north-eastern part, its summit served as a base for part of the aqueduct carrying water from Mons to the city. 

On the Butte Saint-Antoine, the technique of semi-circular alveoli buttresses, also observed in Pompeii and Nîmes, supported the embankment of the hill.

Much more than a military enclosure, this rampart was a showcase of the grandeur of Forum Iulii. It marked the sacred border, the pomerium, a reference to the legend of Romulus and Remus. 

With every stone, Fréjus tells its Roman past, a story that can be seen on every street corner, between nature and ruins.

The Roman rampart of Fréjus is easily accessible from the city center. It is located a few minutes walk from the train station and the historic center. If you are driving, free parking is available nearby, particularly near the Place de la République. Well-marked pedestrian routes will guide you to the ramparts. For those who prefer public transport, several bus lines serve the area. If you are on a bike, a network of cycle paths allows you to access it safely.

Entrance to the Roman rampart of Fréjus is free.

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