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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Golden Gate, also known as Porte d'Orée, is an archaeological vestige located in Fréjus, in the Var department. Although its name evokes a door, it is in reality an arcature belonging to the ancient Roman baths of the ancient port of the city. Dating from the third century, this monument illustrates the importance of Forum Julii (Fréjus) as the major Roman city of the region, equipped with harbour and thermal infrastructures.

The name "Golden" comes from the golden-headed nails discovered during the first excavations. Built of sandstone and brick, with a mixed apparatus, this structure bears witness to Roman construction techniques. It was classified as historic monuments by order of 12 July 1886, recognizing its exceptional heritage value.

Today, the Golden Gate is owned by the municipality of Fréjus. Its state of conservation and its history make it a key element in understanding urban planning and daily life in the Roman port cities of Provence. Archaeological research, such as that published in Gallia (1991), has shed light on its role in the organization of the ancient port sector.

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