Palais Gallien

Overview

The Palais Gallien is the last visible Roman ruin in Bordeaux — the remains of a 2nd-century amphitheatre that once seated up to 15,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat. Only a few arches survive, quietly embedded in a residential neighborhood.

Highlights

• The Arches: Weathered stone archways standing among modern houses — a striking reminder of Bordeaux's Roman past as Burdigala.
• Scale: The original elliptical arena measured 132 × 110 meters — larger than those at Arles or Nîmes.
• Urban Archaeology: The ruins are embedded in a residential area, creating an unusual juxtaposition of Roman and modern Bordeaux.

History

Built in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD during the peak of Roman Burdigala, the amphitheatre fell into ruin after the fall of the Roman Empire. Much of its stone was quarried for other buildings over the centuries. The surviving fragments were classified as a historic monument in 1840.

Visitor Tips

• Free Access: The site is a small open-air park, freely accessible.
• Quick Visit: The ruins are limited but atmospheric — 15–20 minutes is sufficient.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.