Burdigala, Roman archaeological site in Bordeaux, France
Burdigala was a Roman city on the Garonne River designed with paved streets, public baths, and aqueducts. The settlement followed a classical Roman layout with main axes and offered an organized space for commerce and daily life.
The settlement began as a Celtic village and grew under Roman rule, especially under Emperor Vespasian, to become the administrative center of Aquitaine. Major structures like the Palais Gallien amphitheater were built, marking its rise as an important Roman city.
The name Burdigala comes from Celtic origins meaning 'good bay'. The city was known for its wine production and became a major trading hub where merchants exchanged goods from across the Mediterranean world.
Visitors can see remains at several locations across modern Bordeaux, where excavations have uncovered Roman structures. The archaeological sites are scattered throughout the city center, so checking locations ahead of time is helpful for planning a visit.
Les Piliers de Tutelle was a distinctive temple structure with tall columns visible from far across the city. This protective monument served as a landmark for residents and travelers approaching the settlement.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
