Cryptoportique de Reims, Roman underground gallery beneath Place du Forum in Reims, France
The Cryptoportique de Reims is a Roman underground structure beneath Place du Forum consisting of three U-shaped passages. The construction features barrel vaults and walls decorated with colored bands and stylized ornamental patterns.
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 site is open for visitors from May through September, primarily on weekends and selected weekdays. Guided tours can be arranged to help you navigate the underground passages and understand the layout.
This is one of only about ten known cryptoporticus structures surviving from the entire Roman world. A notable feature is the original monumental staircase that turns at right angles above an altar bearing an imperial statue.
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