Perigueux - La Source (1980)  
   
In front of the eglise Saint Etienne de la Cite in central Perigueux, which like the cathedrale saint front also sports a byzantine style dome, we look across Rue de la Cite. Just to the right, we can walk in a minute or two to the public park that is the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre called the
   
   
The Espace Agora / Maire of Boulazac on the eastern edge of the urban area centered on Perigueux.
   
   
Looking out from Rue Taillfer as it leads to Rue Wilson on Place Bugeaud in central Perigueux
   
   
Park Briand, in the centre of Perigueux. Situated between rue Charles Mangold and Boulevard Lakanal, this is one of five small parks near the city centre. The municipal indoor swimming pool is situated next to the park (the municipal outdoor pool is in Marsac, on the western outskirts).
   

Périgueux's Roman Past

The Roman settlement, a little to the west of the original Gallic settlement was an important centre. Baths, an aqueduct, a 20,000 seat amphitheatre and a large temple were constructed.

Little now remains of the Roman town, the city walls shown on the map below have all but disapeared, however the following sites can be visited:


1. The Amphitheatre
The ruined remains are now a pretty public park - Jardin des Arènes

2. The City Gates and Roman House
Next to the Chateau Barrière, between the Amphitheatre and the tower

3. Musée Gallo-Romain
Not to be missed is the relatively recent addition, the Musée Gallo-Romain de Périgueux is built over the remains of a Roman Villa – the Domus de Vésone, originally discovered in 1959.

4. The Tour de Vésone
About 30 m high and 22m in diameter, itself but a part of the temple



The tower of Vesunna

TheVesunna Museum is situated next to it.

A few hundred meters away are the remains of the amphitheatre. There still remain huge fragments of wall and vaulting which may be as old as the 3rd or even the 2nd century.

 
 

The Amphitheatre in Perigueux was capable of seating up to 20,000 spectators, an indication of the size and importance of the town and its location in Roman times. The reamins now serve as a pleasent city centre park.



The Vesunna Museum of Gallo-Roman history in Perigueux is unique in Aquitaine for its design, built over the remains of the Roman Domus (home) which is the centrepiece of its display.
 
 


design, text and photographs © ROB