The Via Julia Augusta and Greek-Roman Gaul

2 half days discovering the Italian Riviera and Greek-Roman Gaul

The route starts from Ventimiglia, where you can visit the remains of the Roman city of Abintimilium, crossed by the Via Julia Augusta, paved with white limestone, which intersected with the Decumanus Maximus.  There, you can visit the thermal baths,  the theater,  the splendid houses, the ancient living quarters furnished with rich mosaics and lavish furnishings and fittings,  including imported ones, recovered from archaeological excavations.

The trip continues to La Turbie, where it is possible to visit the Trophy of Augustus, an impressive Roman monument which is located 480 meters above sea level, now overlooking the Principality of Monaco. The monument was erected in the years 7-6 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus to commemorate the military expedition of 15 BC in which Drusus and Tiberius subdued 46 Alpine tribes, and it served to demarcate the border between Italy and Narbonese Gaul along the Via Julia Augusta.

Then, on to Nice: Nikaia, as it was christened by the Greeks who founded it, has a vast archaeological site dating from Roman times on the hill of Cimiez, with amphitheater, arena, thermal baths, and  an early Christian basilica surrounded by olive trees.  The site is home to the legendary jazz festival held each year.  In Cimiez you can also visit the Chagall Museum and Matisse Museum, of which we will speak later.

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