Oppidum of the Castellan

Historic site and monument Historic patrimony Historical patrimony

Presentation

The oppidum du Castellan is a rocky promontory in the southern part of the etang de l’Olivier. Steeped in history, it has a magnificent view of the town and the lagoon.

It is approximately 250 m wide by 500 m long and rises to 40 m above sea level at its highest point. The path on the eastern side of it (not marked) leads up to the summit. This path probably replaced an ancient staircase carved into the rock. Close to the summit you can see a Gallic inscription carved into the rock wall. We can read the word ‘MATPON’ with the M and A joined. According to scientists, it is an invocation to the Mother Goddess.
You can also see the remains of a rutted track. The site was occupied from the 6th century BC until the High Middle Ages. The highest point of the Castellan was the site of the tomb and skeleton of a man who, at 1.80 m or 5' 11", was tall for that period.

Today, the Castellan hill is home to Dinosaur'Istres, a dinosaur discovery trail, with more than forty specimens represented

‘The gardens of the etang’ trail introduces you to this site steeped in history.

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