Cryptoportique de Reims, Roman underground gallery beneath Place du Forum in Reims, France
The Cryptoportique de Reims is a U-shaped underground gallery beneath Place du Forum, built of small stone blocks with a barrel vault of tile-mortar. Two rows of worn grey stone piers divide the space, their notches once holding wooden partitions for stalls; the north-east wall is blind, while the opposite side admits light through ground-level openings.
Built around 100 CE during Roman times, this structure formed the northern section of the ancient forum. It stands as evidence of Roman settlement and urban development in the region two millennia ago.
The underground passages functioned as storage areas and meeting spaces where Romans conducted daily activities. They reveal how Roman society organized its work and social life below ground level.
The eastern section opened to the public in 1983 after two partly collapsed vaults were restored and a pier that had sunk 65 cm was consolidated. The gallery lies under the present Place du Forum, with an open-air theatre above it and the Musée-hôtel Le Vergeur next door. The north-east wall is blind, while daylight enters through bays at ground level on the opposite side.
The gallery is divided by stone piers with notches that held wooden structures forming box-like compartments; their stucco walls were decorated with coloured bands and stylised hangings. The north-east wall is blind, while the opposite side lets in light through openings at ground level outside.
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