As is usual in Aix, any large-scale developments in centre-ville include the archaeologists; and the Place des Precheurs with its 2100 years of history will give them a fascinating opportunity to see what lies beneath…
The Romans built their defensive towers and ramparts there, and later the counts of Provence built their palace at the site. This was extended by King René who also made the place des Precheurs, the first large open space for the townsfolk. So what are the archaeologists looking for?
- the remains of the first church built by the Dominicans in the 13th century
- a possible cemetery nearby
- the base of the town scaffold
- bases of defensive walls
- remains of the palace and René’s extension
- traces of the via Aurelia – the road to Rome
- funereal remains along the main road.
There will be an information kiosk which will help us keep up with what is being discovered and there are plans to involve the town’s school-children. Visits to the digs will also be possible.
It is certainly going to be a major upheaval but hopefully the urban space will be more pleasing and who knows what will emerge from the dig?
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