© Trip Advisor
Le Castellum Aquae, Nimes
The arrival point of the Roman aqueduct in Nimes
This unusual Roman site was once the place where the city of Nimes supply of water arrived from the aqueducts before being distributed around the city.
Lead pipes would have taken the water to the various fountains and baths of the city for its inhabitants to enjoy, through the round apertures that you can see in the structure.
It is thought to have been constructed in the middle of the first century AD, at the same time as the Pont du Gard. Water would have travelled around 50 kilometres to get here, over the Pont du Gard and into the city. A sluice gate at the back would have controlled the flow of water.
During the construction of the citadel in 1688 the Castellum was filled in with rubble, and only rediscovered in 1844 when it was excavated and made visible to the public once more.
Today it's a rather small an unassuming relic of the Roman period, compared to some of the larger more well known Roman ruins in Nimes, but interesting to see nonetheless.
Visitor comments
- "It took us quite a while to find this site, as we were using only a map and unfortunately got a little lost. However once we found it we were grateful, as it was quite a sight. It is not big. It is a very small area and it is open to public view. You can see it just standing on the footpath. There is a sign with some information about it, and a few ruins, but not much else. Unless you are a history fanatic you may not appreciate its full value as a historical sight. It is the end of the line for the large complex of pipes built by the Romans in the first century, carrying water through the famous Pont Du Gard, to the whole city." - Trip Advisor
- "The terminal end of the Nimes adequate may be on the map but it is a little more difficult to find. I actually came across it while looking for another Roman structure. The condition is rather poor but still recognizable. If you are into Roman history, it is well worth the walk to the site." - Trip Advisor
Directions
To get here take a look at the streetview & map links above. The Castellum is right alongside the University de Nimes.
