 |
In the middle of the historic city, in the shade of the cathedral, centuries have shaped this marvellous place which looks at the same time like a fortress and a princely residence. The high walls of the archbishopric overhang the paving stones of the Via Domitia.
Something you should absolutely see, is the donjon Gilles Aycelin (XIII-th century) built on the ruins of the Gallo-Roman ramparts which formerly kept safety to the port of Narbonne.
Strong tower of the palace of the Archbishops and Narbonne's figurehead since the XIII-th century, the donjon Gilles Aycelin keeps intact in the thickness of his walls, three rooms and one marvellous floor in which several kings of France stayed there in the XVII-th century.
The impressive outlines dominate the city with its 40 metres.
|
There is a very all-round view on the Pyrenees mountains from the upper terrace which you'll reach after having climbed 162 steps.
Louis XII, during the besiege of Perpignan
, then also Louis XIV stayed at the second floor, in the former apartments of the Archbishops. There you will admire the coffer ceilings representing the nine Muses. Today, in this place, there is the museum of Art.
In the rooms of archaeology of the Palace, you discover prehistoric and Gallo-Roman works of classical antiquity which were found out during the excavations of the oppidum of Montlaurès.
Don't miss to have a look at the big gallery, a magnificent collection of containers in earthenware which belonged to pharmacies, of Montpellier
.
For any information, please, contact the Office of Tourism of Narbonne
.
|
