FIG. 24. NYMPHÆUM, NIMES
The Nymphæum or Temple of the Nymphs at Nimes ([Fig. 24]), with its accompanying fountain, is another charming and quite unique structure. The fountain bursts forth in great abundance at the base of a hill called Mont Cavalier. It is enclosed in a space which was formerly a Roman Bath, and is then led away through wide open conduits or canals, all lined with stone and faced with pilasters. The whole is situated in a pretty public garden to which the fountain gives a special character. In this garden too, are found the ruins of the above temple, formerly called of Diana, which, however, is now supposed to have been a Nymphæum, or Temple dedicated to the Nymphs, and forming part of the Baths. The interior contains twelve niches of good design, and the roof was constructed with large stone arches or transverse ribs, between which the space was filled in with a plain waggon vault or flags of stone. This kind of vaulting was also adopted, as will be further explained afterwards, in the construction of the early Christian churches of Syria, and had undoubtedly great influence on the design of the first vaulted churches of Provence. The Nymphæum now contains a museum of busts and statues. This temple is shewn, by an inscription, to have been built along with the Baths in the time of Augustus. The variety and elegance of its details are further evidence of the Grecian taste of the people of the district. The aqueduct from the Pont du Gard terminated in a reservoir near this point.
The Tour Magne ([Fig. 25]), on the top of the hill above the Fountain of the Nymphs, is a Roman building, the object of which has given rise to much discussion, without any definite conclusion being arrived at. It seems, however, most likely to have been a mausoleum. The plan is octagonal, and the walls are built with rough ashlar. The structure is hollow, and from 90 to 100 feet high. It was attached to the walls of Augustus, and in later times was converted into a fortress by the Count of Toulouse. The general resemblance of the design of this monument to that of Augustus at La Turbie, which we shall meet with further on, is very striking.
Two of the Roman gates of Nimes remain. The Porte d’Auguste, founded B.C. 16, has a double arch for vehicles, and two side openings for foot passengers flanked by two towers. Like the Roman gates of Autun these two towers contained stairs leading to the walls, and formed posts of observation. The other gate, the Porte de France, lies to the west of the amphitheatre, and has one wide archway.
FIG. 25. LA TOURMAGNE, NIMES.
