Square Castan, Archaeological site with Roman columns in Besançon, France
Eight Corinthian columns stand among ancient stone structures within a garden setting, showcasing architectural elements from the Roman period of Vesontio.
The square reveals remnants of water distribution basins connected to the Arcier aqueduct, which supplied water to Besançon during Roman times.
The site bears the name of archaeologist Auguste Castan, who conducted extensive excavations in 1870, uncovering major elements of Gallo-Roman architecture.
Located near the Black Gate monument, the square provides interpretive panels explaining the archaeological findings and Roman architectural features.
The site contains a 54-meter diameter hemicycle, initially misidentified as a Roman theater, which supported a colonnade during the ancient period.
Location: Besançon
Address: Square Castan
GPS coordinates: 47.23472,6.03000
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:47
The monuments and historical buildings of Besançon reflect 2000 years of architecture. The Vauban citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooks the old town. The center houses Saint-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock, Granvelle Palace with its Museum of Time, as well as numerous civil, religious, and military buildings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The squares, parks, and quays lining the Doubs complement this architectural ensemble.
Besançon Cathedral
131 m
Birthhouse of Victor Hugo
63 m
Porte Noire
68 m
Astronomical clock of Besançon
139 m
Maison natale des frères Lumière
77 m
Ecclesiastical Province of Besançon
132 m
Palais archiépiscopal de Besançon
49 m
Château d'eau de la source d'Arcier
149 m
Hôtel Boistouset
76 m
Hôtel Alviset
46 m
Hôtel de Clermont
160 m
Fontaine Saint-Quentin
28 m
Chapelle de la Visitation de Besançon
162 m
Hôtel de Sorans
144 m
Hôtel Camus
151 m
Vestiges archéologiques
65 m
Fontaine de la place Jean-Cornet
161 m
Orant du cardinal Louis François Auguste de Rohan-Chabot
126 m
Maison, 131 Grande Rue
133 m
Maison, 4 rue de la Convention
41 m
Maison, 131bis Grande Rue
133 m
Maison, 133 Grande Rue
97 m
Maison, 135 Grande Rue
85 m
Immeuble, 20 rue Ernest-Renan
132 m
Maison, 129 Grande Rue
140 m
Maison, 8 rue des Martelots
80 m
Maison, 10 rue Rivotte
147 m
Statue du cardinal Mathieu dans la cathédrale de Besançon
131 mReviews
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