As you leave the A8 autoroute from Nice at Exit 38-Frejus, an imposing Roman monument hints at its historical past. Indeed, Frejus is often referred to as the French Pompeii. It was here that Julius Caesar founded the first Roman military harbour on the Mediterranean coast, and with its 2,000-year-old history, the city is bursting with ancient monuments.
The Roman Ampitheatre, an impressive oval arena seating 12,000 people, sits on the outskirts of town. Recently restored for public events, its ancient sandstone is now covered with white concrete to help preserve the original structure. A shame really, as the crumbling stone seating lent so much imagery to gladiatorial times past. Other prominent sites to visit include the Roman Aqueduct where 40 kilometres of channeled waters from the Foux and Siagnole Rivers meet via massive underground conduits. Constructed in the second half of the First Century, this classified historical monument functioned for at least 400 years, thanks to the architectural genius of the Romans. The Archaeological Museum is worth a visit for Roman artifacts and houses the bust of Hermes, the symbol of Frejus.
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