Tour Magne (Magne Tower), Nimes

The Magne Tower located on Mont Cavalier, is a remarkable Gallo-Roman monument that stands as a sentinel over the Gardens of the Fountain. It holds the distinction of being the most impressive remnant of the extensive Roman wall that once encircled the city of Nîmes. This tower has a fascinating history, having undergone transformation during the reign of Augustus.

It has held the status of a historic monument since its inclusion on the list in 1840. While the tower once reached a height of 18 meters at the end of the 3rd century BC, it was substantially elevated to a towering 36 meters during the Roman era. Presently, it stands at a height of 32.50 meters, with historical accounts dating back to 1596 noting that it was hollowed out.

The Magne Tower comprises an octagonal base, its irregular shape revealing the dry stone tower it once enclosed. Traces of this earlier structure can still be observed within the tower itself, in negative relief. A curved ramp, 70 meters in length, of which remnants of the southern end and part of the last arch survive, led to a covered walkway that spanned the tower's first floor. From there, access was possible to the curtain walkway, which was at the same elevation and extended to the north and west. Above this integrated floor within the enclosing wall, the polygonal tower is entirely solid. Originally, a terrace crowned the tower.

The tower's exterior was adorned with two distinct levels of decoration. The first level featured Tuscan pilasters, while the second, which has largely disappeared over time, boasted columns.

Numerous theories have been advanced regarding the original purpose of the Magne Tower. In Roman times, due to its structural integration into the city's defensive wall, it likely served dual functions as a defensive fortification and as a watchtower or signal tower. Its considerable height in the Roman era was also a potent symbol of Roman authority and might, asserting its dominance over the cityscape.