Place de la Mirande Roman Ruins
Located below ground level on the left-hand side of the square, the Place de la Mirande Roman Ruins consist of ancient stone blocks dating back to the 1st century CE that offer a rare glimpse into the city's origins as the Roman settlement of Avenio.
The Place de la Mirande Roman Ruins consist of archaeological remnants from the 1st century CE, located in a quiet square directly behind the Palais des Papes. These ancient stones are a surviving fragment of the early infrastructure built during the Roman occupation of the region.
This site holds deep historical significance because it provides rare, visible proof of Avignon's ancient origins. Long before the medieval popes built their massive fortress, this area was the bustling center of "Avenio," a prosperous Gallo-Roman city, making these ruins a vital link to the city's earliest urban foundation.
When visiting the square today, you will not find towering columns or massive temples, but rather a subtle archaeological display. A few large, heavy stone blocks are clearly visible, deliberately left exposed below the modern street level to highlight the ancient foundations on which the modern city rests.
These ancient structures were completely hidden for centuries until a completely modern event brought them to light. They were only discovered by accident during the modern construction and renovation phases of the adjacent luxury Hotel de la Mirande.