At the edge of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Antiques are the two monuments that remain visible of a city now buried at the foot of the Alpilles.
The Antiques, remains of a buried city
For centuries, the arch and the mausoleum were the only visible remains of Glanum. The city had disappeared beneath several metres of earth, while these two monuments stood apart at the edge of the buried city.
Around 260, Alemannic invasions brought Glanum’s prosperity to an end. Its inhabitants settled a few hundred metres further north and built the village of Saint-Rémy, reusing some of the ancient stones.
The arch, the ancient gateway to the Roman city
The triumphal arch marked the entrance to the Roman city. Its single bay is framed by reliefs: on either side, captive Gauls appear chained, while winged Victories rise above the vault.
The Mausoleum of the Julii
Next to the arch, the mausoleum is a funerary monument dedicated to the Julii family. Its inscription honours several members of the family, while the reliefs on the base evoke combat and military glory. The tholos crowning the monument housed the heroic statues of the deceased.
The Buried City Rediscovered
Occupied from the 6th century BCE by the Salyens, Glanum developed around a sacred spring. Greek and then Roman influences transformed the oppidum into an organised city, with residential districts, public spaces and sanctuaries.
Excavations begun in 1921 gradually uncovered Glanum’s districts. The archaeological site can now be explored through the remains of its houses, monumental centre and sacred-spring sanctuary, following the successive stages of the city’s history.
See the Antiques before visiting Glanum
The arch and mausoleum stand at the foot of the Alpilles, beside the road to Les Baux-de-Provence. You can therefore stop to see the Antiques without entering the paid site. The visit then offers the chance to discover the archaeological site as a whole.
Continue the getaway in the Alpilles
In Saint-Rémy, the Wednesday market continues the discovery of the town through the animation of its streets and squares. To the west of the Alpilles, Daudet’s mill at Fontvieille and Saint Gabriel Chapel offer two further heritage stops, while Saint Sixte Chapel offers another encounter between Romanesque architecture and the rural landscape.
Practical information
Preparing your visit to the Antiques and Glanum
- The Antiques
- The arch and mausoleum stand south of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, on the plateau before the entrance to Glanum, on the road to Les Baux-de-Provence.
- Visiting Glanum
- The archaeological site has its own opening hours, prices and access conditions. Check the official Glanum website before you travel.
- Access and parking
- Parking and paths may vary with the season. Check the conditions on site and follow the local signs.
Our selection
Guest houses to extend the getaway
To extend this discovery, find guest houses in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Alpilles.