Nimes has the best preserved Roman amphitheater. It was built in 70 AD just shortly after the Colosseum in Rome. It is hard to wrap your head around a stadium filled with 20,000 people 2000 years ago. There was a crane there on the day of our visit and that was a reminder of the continuous upkeep that every building requires. Across the street was a modern building dedicated to the influences of the Romans. We almost missed lunch as the cafes all stopped serving at 2 PM. We were eating late because we all had massages at the Spa. They were very nice massages. We were recounting all the massages we have had all around the world and the difference with this one was twofold. First they had electric tables and could lover or raise the entire table as well as raise your knees. Secondly their technique alternated between fast and slow movements. So we did not even get on the road till 12:30. Luckily we got to Nimes and found parking, not so easy, and then toured the Arena. There were lots of steps and heights involved so we worked up an appetite. Our needs were satisfied with the generous portions and fine ingredients of our lunches.
One huge crane! We only saw one load in the hour and a half we were there but we may have arrived during the croissant break
Thick walls to support the huge weight of the building
Sand fills the arena because it soaks up blood easily
The audio guide had 20 stations with each blurb lasting 10 minutes or longer. Needless to say, we did not get all to listen to all the information. This sign shows the shades that they were able to build for the top.
Even at the top the walls are very thick
A cool church across the street
The cathedral overlooking the arena
Imagine the process, quarry the stone, bring the stone to the site, lift it into location, finish the stone and place it. All by hand and simple machines
It really is huge
Lots of informative signs, animals killing animals, animals killing convicts, gladiators killing gladiators and so on
The Roman museum
One last picture for you to see the scale of the construction
In more modern times the arena was used for bullfighting. Many fancy pants were on display
Very sharp outfits indeed
Leslie the matador extraordinaire!
The Nimes logo
Notice the Kabab holder attached to the right side of the plate
That was one hell of a quiche and salad plate
Chicken quarter plate
Our lunch spot
