Bastion Saint-Jaume, Medieval fortification in Old Town, Antibes, France.
Bastion Saint-Jaume is a fortified structure along the Mediterranean coast of Antibes featuring thick stone walls and historic gun positions. The layout still shows how these defensive elements were arranged to protect the seafront.
The site once held a Roman temple before being converted into a church and later transformed into a fortress in the 16th century. This evolution reflected the military architecture and coastal defense needs of that era.
The bastion takes its name from artist Jaume Plensa, whose modern sculptures now define the space and draw visitors to explore it. This blend of medieval stone and contemporary art creates a conversation between centuries that you feel while walking around.
The location sits right along the waterfront promenade and is easily reached on foot from central Antibes. Visitors should be prepared for some uneven surfaces and stairs as they explore the different levels of the site.
Eight life-size aluminum figures by artist Jaume Plensa are positioned within the former gun emplacements, standing like silent guardians of the place. These works are self-portraits of the artist, creating an unexpected link between the bastion's past and present.
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