Glanum Archaeological Site
Roman Site in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
The ancient site of Glanum, located at the base of the Alpilles, was excavated from the alluvial deposits that had concealed it. Initially a Neolithic homestead, the area saw significant development first by Gallo-Greeks, likely from Massalia (modern-day Marseille), who established a city here between the second and first centuries BC. Subsequently, the Gallo-Romans built over this earlier city, creating a new settlement that thrived until the third century AD.
Visitors to Glanum begin their exploration at a visitor center equipped with models illustrating the site across different historical periods. A footpath descends from here through the center of the ruins, guided by maps and captions that attempt to clarify the complex layers of history. However, understanding Glanum can be challenging. The site exhibits a blend of architectural styles, with later structures integrated into earlier ones. Around the time of Christ, there was a penchant for reviving an archaic Hellenistic style. The Greek and Roman layers are most distinguishable by their construction materials; massive hewn rocks characterize the Greek structures, while the Romans favored smaller, more precisely shaped stones.
At the southern end of Glanum, where the site tapers into a ravine, stands a Greek structure surrounding a spring, a key factor in the location’s historical desirability. Steps lead down to a pool, with a slab overhead for offerings from those too ill to descend themselves. An inscription notes that Agrippa renovated this area in 27 BC, dedicating it to Valetudo, the Roman goddess of health. Altars dedicated to Hercules also remain visible, along with remnants of a prehistoric settlement further up the hill to the west.
The Gallo-Romans engineered water canals to heat residences and supply the baths near the site’s entrance. Noteworthy are the superb sculptures on the Roman Temples Geminées (Twin Temples), and the site also features mosaic fragments, fountains from both periods, and ruins of first-storey walls and columns, offering a vivid glimpse into the ancient life of Glanum.
The Glanum Archaeological Site appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence!
This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!
Visiting Glanum Archaeological Site
The site of Glanum is open all year round:
From January to March and from October to December: every day except Monday.
From April to September: every day
Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, and December 25.
Opening days and schedules vary according to the season:
From January to March and from October to December: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From April to September: from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
€9
Nearby Attractions
- St-Paul-de-Mausole (0.3) km
Monastery in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Les Antiques (0.4) km
Roman Site in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Musée Estrine (1.7) km
Museum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Musée des Alpilles (1.8) km
Museum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Baux-de-Provence (4.5) km
Castle and Village in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Barbegal Aqueduct and Mills (11.9) km
Aqueduct in Arles - Montmajour Abbey (15.5) km
Abbey in Arles - L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Arles (19.4) km
Amphitheatre and Roman Site in Arles - Nécropole des Alyscamps (19.5) km
Historic Site in Arles - Musée Réattu (Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arles) (19.6) km
Museum in Arles