Romans 1:1

We visited Avignon and Nimes to check out Roman ruins. We had been impressed with the age of 13th and 14th century construction but standing next to or on a structure from Roman times it is difficult to comprehend this time frame in human history. The people from Medieval times considered these structures from antiquity and pilfered their stones for their own construction needs and the folks in the Renaissance participated in renovation. The Arena in Nimes, one of the most important colosseum for gladiatorial spectacles in the 2nd century, is now one of the best preserved in existence and having been fitted with a steel framework and wooden benches is still used today for concerts, festivals and frequent bull fights. About 20k from Nimes in Pont du Gard are the remains of the triple tired arched aqueduct anyone who has ever studied highschool Roman history has seen pictures of. Still spanning the Gardon River it was used to provide water to Nimes from a spring in Uzes about 12 miles away. (the actual length of the aqueduct was about 30 miles with a drop of only 40 feet). After wandering the concrete foot bridge that parallels the aqueduct we settled in for a cold beer at the fancy hotel and restaurant that I must say has one of the most impressive backdrops anywhere. 

Visiting the walled city of Avignon is like stepping back in time (if you can ignore the many storefronts for high end shoes, clothing and objects de art). Intact ramparts circle the old city on the banks of the Rhone and most of the buildings inside are remnants from the time of the Knights and Crusades. While walking the cobblestone streets it is easy to imagine a time when Kings ruled and protection was provided by the stoutness of the surrounding stone walls. Popes lived in the palace, the plague was a threat and people actually used the bridge to get across the river not dance under. Saturated, as easy as it is when visiting Europe, with churches, saints, popes and New Testament art; we requested a visit at the local synagogue. Jews arrived in Avignon in the 1st century with the Diaspora and eventually became known as "the Pope's Jews" because of the protection the Vatican offered. The synagogue, originally from the 1220s and the only one you will find under a rotunda was completely rebuilt in the mid-19th century in a Neoclassical, Greek temple style by an non Jewish architect. The woman who allowed us in did not speak English however a young man waiting to consult with the Rabbi did and was quite helpful in translating and adding bits of local Jewish history. 

Unfortunate that we only had one night in this town, Avignon is a comfortable city and would be a good place to spend some time visiting.