Nîmes. Tour Magne

 Francia > Occitania > Gard > Nimes

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This tower, initially probably patrol relates to Gallo-Roman period (end 3. BC). Then it reached the height of 18 m, and in the period of the Roman Empire, it was increased to 36 m (of which today is only 32.5 m retained). Accurate documented history begins only tower in the 12th century. The tower stands on an octagonal pedestal with unequal faces (because of the difficult terrain). Above the socket rises a second stage, which was decorated in the tradition of Tuscan order. Unfortunately, little of this decoration remained. In total there are three tiers, but only ruins remain from the third. Inside the restored staircase that still discordant with old masonry walls. After the Middle Ages, the city backed away from its external borders and "shrunk", the tower was left out, however, continued to maintain its military importance - for example, there were defended by the English during the Hundred Years voyny.