Gassie Tower Pathway

This is the entrance to the Gassie Tower pathway. If it’s open, take this passage to join the tour on the other side. This relatively unknown passageway is located on the site of one of the wall towers dating from the 3rd century, a time when Bordeaux was still called Burdigala. Before that era, the city had no walls. Under the Roman Empire, Burdigala grew and prospered so much that it became one of the most opulent cities in Gaul, sparking a wave of envy. In 276, it was ransacked and burnt down by barbarians. In just a few days, Burdigala was wiped off the face of the earth. To withstand future attacks, Burdigala decided to rebuild itself along the lines of a castrum, a fortified city. The very first city walls built at that time, were to be extended over the centuries.   If the passageway is open, do go through, it leads to a small mound of stones. Rest assured that the town didn’t forget to clear them.They are in fact the only remnants of the Roman wall still visible today.