The city was abandoned in the 3rd century CE following the Alamanni invasions, which led to the settlement of nearby Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
The Mausoleum of the Julii is one of the best-preserved funerary monuments from the Roman era in Europe.
Glanum was originally established around a sacred spring dedicated to the god Glan, a local Celtic deity.
The site features a rare example of a Roman-era house with a peristyle courtyard that remains partially standing.
The Triumphal Arch of Glanum depicts scenes of chained captives, serving as a political statement of Roman supremacy over local tribes.
The Site Archéologique de Glanum is a rare archaeological complex in France featuring a unique transition from a pre-Roman Gaulish settlement to a fully realized Roman city. Located in the Val de Montjoie, the site showcases layers of history including a sanctuary dedicated to the healing deity Glan. Visitors can observe the remains of the forum, thermal baths, and residential quarters constructed in the Roman style during the 1st century BCE. The site is bounded by the iconic Les Antiques, comprising the Triumphal Arch and the Mausoleum of the Julii. Excavations have revealed evidence of early Phoenician influence and later Hellenistic architectural styles. The layout is structured around a central decumanus that highlights Roman urban planning techniques. Its location at the base of the Alpilles mountains provided strategic defense and access to a natural spring. The site is maintained by the Centre des monuments nationaux.
The elevated viewing path at the back of the site provides a complete panoramic view over the entire valley of ruins.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as the terrain is rocky, uneven, and includes steep sections.
Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the site has very little natural shade and acts as a heat trap.
Use the provided archaeological map at the entrance to navigate the distinct layers of Gaulish and Roman structures.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of summer afternoons, as the stone ruins radiate significant warmth.
Closed on Mondays from November to March; open daily during the main tourist season.
Do not climb, sit on, or lean against the ancient stone ruins; stay on marked paths to preserve the excavation sites.
