Recently, I found myself lost after getting off at a metro stop. I had plans to visit the local hammam, which was a six minute walk, according to my GPS. Yet, when I followed the GPS, I found myself getting further and further from the destination. Minutes went up, but the arrow was off. I found myself walking in circles, and found myself by the Pantheon. I had just visited there the week prior. As I walked in the direction I came, the minutes went down. I got closer to the hammam. But I stumbled on something else. A Roman Arena. Arenes de Lutece.
I had heard about this place the week prior. It is located in the 5th Arrondisment, and according to history, it was hidden for centuries. It was constructed in the 1st Century AD, could hold 15000 people, and existed to demonstrate the valiance of gladiators. Romans once ruled the land, and throughout time were overtaken. Eventually the arena became a cemetery. More and more was placed upon this site. Over time people knew the arena once existed, but the exact location was unknown until the 1860s when it was discovered by individuals wanting to build a tramway on the site. Allegedly, there were protests to stop the demolition of this historic site. One person who fought to preserve this was Victor Hugo himself.
I felt guided to visit this place, perhaps this is why I was lost with my GPS. My eyes were alert to go to this arena. I have lived in Paris for several months, and visited many times before, but never heard of this place. Locals informed me this is hidden from Paris, and I can see why. Arenes de Lutece has turned into a special park, that has a sense of tranquility from the busy-ness of the city. I went on a weekday, and the stands had people sharing lunch with their friends, or reading, or journaling. It’s located in the Latin Quarter, and it’s a quiet spot to simply be.
I appreciate the little ways this town continues to surprise me with it’s history, allure, and magic.
“You can’t escape the past in Paris, and yet what’s so wonderful about it is that the past and present intermingle so intangibly that it doesn’t seem to burden.” — Allen Ginsberg
It Only Takes A Smile 