Le Mans Roman Walls

Le Mans, France

The Roman wall in the old town of Le Mans is one of the best of its type still extant in France. The 1300m long construction is laid out with 12 towers wraps around the immaculately preserved and restored Plantagenet Old City. There are only two longer ancient Roman walls left, in Rome and Istanbul (Constantinopole). These walls are highlighted every summer (July and August) evening in a light show that tells the history of the town.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 300 AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Roman Gaul (France)

More Information

travel.michelin.com

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Andrews (2 years ago)
The Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans is a magnificent Gothic cathedral located in the city of Le Mans, France. It is one of the most important religious and cultural monuments in the country, and a must-see for any visitor to the region. The cathedral was built over the course of five centuries, from the 11th to the 16th, and as a result, it combines a variety of architectural styles. The nave is Romanesque in style, while the choir and transept are Gothic. The cathedral is also known for its beautiful stained glass windows, which are some of the oldest in the world. One of the most striking features of the cathedral is its exterior. The façade is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, and the two towers are over 100 meters tall. The cathedral is also home to a number of gargoyles, which are said to protect the building from evil spirits. The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior. The nave is vast and airy, and the choir is decorated with stunning stained glass windows. The cathedral also has a number of side chapels, each with its own unique features. The Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans is a truly awe-inspiring building. It is a place where history, culture, and religion all come together. Whether you are a religious person or not, the cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Le Mans.
Phoebe Wei (2 years ago)
1. Quite impressive architecture even without the show, I am impressed with this cathedral and Malian one and Barcelona one. 2.The light show is well designed and beautifully displayed. 3. It will be nice to have the schedule, we were guessing about when to start, so we searched online it says 930-10pm, which was longer to 1015. If I’m wrong please correct me, so others will know the show time. 4. Don’t miss the back ( or actually the entrance front show as well).
Floris van Hal (2 years ago)
The Cathedral of Le Mans is a wonderful visit. It gives a look back into times especially with regards to different building styles. The choir was upgraded to a gothic times enormously sized building, but when it was time for the nave money ran out. This allows you to in real time observe the differences in a couple hundred years of medieval building technology. The oldest stained glass still in a building can also be found in this cathedral. And lastly, it features some really nice chronological information on the building process of the cathedral with maquettes to support it (available in English!)
Jay Alley (2 years ago)
Fabulous stone cathedral with magnificent engineering features located in the old town section of LeMans. Even if you are not a religious person, it's hard not to feel the presence of the spirit inside St. Julian's.
Lewis Zellmann (3 years ago)
If you are in Le Mans, the Cathedral must be on your list of places to go. But, I recommend you read a list about the building in advance and if someone on staff is available, ask lots of questions. It's been a great part of French history for over 800 years.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.