Antonin Square, Nimes

Antonin Square is a public square, located northwest of the city’s historic center. The square was established in 1862 to honor Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, whose family was originally from ancient Nîmes, then known as Nemausus. The square was built on the former terminal basin of the Canal de la Fontaine, which was developed a century earlier alongside the Jardins de la Fontaine by Jacques Philippe Mareschal.

Designed by architect Henri Révoil, the square features a central space enclosed by a wrought iron gate made by local locksmith Marius Nicolas. Its main highlight is a monumental Carrara marble statue of Emperor Antoninus, created by sculptor Auguste Bosc and unveiled in 1874. The statue stands on a pedestal with Latin inscriptions, including “Senatvs Popvlvsqve Nemavsensis”, which translates to "the senate and the people of Nîmes."

Antoninus Pius was a Roman emperor from 138 to 161, known for his administrative skills and relatively peaceful reign, which saw no major revolts. Originally from Nemausus through his paternal lineage, Antoninus was adopted by Emperor Hadrian and succeeded him. His governance included notable public works, such as improving access to clean water across the empire and promoting the emancipation of slaves. He left a surplus in the imperial budget, and his legacy was continued by his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.