Le Pennelus, Roman pyramid in La Penne-sur-Huveaune, France
Le Pennelus is a standing structure with a truncated pyramidal form and rectangular base located along the former Roman road N8 near Marseille. The structure rises about 8 meters high and is hollow inside, designed to hold burials within its interior.
This monument was built in the 1st century BC as a burial chamber to honor deceased Romans in the area. Its construction demonstrates how Romans established their presence in southern France through permanent structures.
The structure received official recognition as a French Historical Monument in 1886, reflecting the region's respect for ancient Roman craftsmanship. It stands today as a visible reminder of how Roman people honored their deceased and left their mark on the landscape.
The site is accessible from the town center via Montée Charles Paya and sits clearly visible alongside the road. Local tourism information is available by phone for those seeking details about visiting conditions or nearby facilities.
The structure employs construction techniques similar to those of Egyptian pyramids at Saqqara, making it a rare example of Roman architecture in the region. Two marble sarcophagi were discovered inside, revealing how significant this burial chamber was to the people who built it.
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