Col de Panissars, Mountain pass and archaeological site at Le Perthus, France-Spain border
Col de Panissars is a mountain pass on the France-Spain border featuring ancient stone structures positioned between 325 and 568 meters elevation on the Albera Massif. The location displays remains from different periods, including a medieval chapel connected to historic trade routes and pilgrimage paths.
The pass served as an important crossing since Roman times and witnessed King Philip the Bold of France's defeat in 1285 against Peter III of Aragon. Pompey's Trophy, a Roman monument, was uncovered in 1983 during excavations along the Via Domitia.
The remains show how this location served as a stopping point for pilgrims traveling toward Santiago de Compostela. People have used this passage between regions for centuries, making it a link between communities.
The site is reached via the D900 road, which connects to main transport routes between the two countries and allows access from both sides. Visit on clear weather days when walking paths are safe and easy to navigate.
Excavations have uncovered fragments of a Roman monument erected by an ancient military commander that lay hidden for centuries. The discovery reveals how critical this mountain passage was for military control in antiquity.
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