The Trophy of Augustus

The Roman Triumph

The majestic Trophy of Augustus at La Turbie is the first stage of Julius Augustus’ incredible road, the Via Julia Augusta. Erected around the year 6 B.C. in honour of the Emperor Augustus, it remained intact until the fall of the Roman Empire. Targeted by Barbarian invaders, it suffered several setbacks and was partially destroyed. However, its aura has never wavered and is still as impressive as ever. In 1865, it was listed as a ‘Monument Historique’, and subsequently semi-restored. Now managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, it offers its many visitors the opportunity to take an incredible leap back in time…

A Monument

to victory

The Trophy of Augustus was erected in the year 6 B.C. in honour of the Emperor Augustus, following his victory over the people of the Alps who refused to be subject to Roman law. As a tribute to him, the trophy was erected at the Col de La Turbie, the highest point of the route that Augustus had built to make trading with Gaul easier. It towers over the sea and affirms the power that Rome possessed.

Did you know?

In ancient times, trophies were built to celebrate military victories. This fine example is the only one of its kind still in existence in France today.

Architecture

A symbol of power

It can be seen from far and wide. The grandeur of the 35-metre-high monument conveys the symbolic immensity of the Roman Empire. As you approach it, the immense columns reinforce this feeling of power. Originally, it stood at a height of 49 metres and appeared even more imposing, topped with a statue of Augustus. On one side of the trophy, which has remained intact, you can see the names of the 45 Celto-Ligurian tribes that the emperor defeated. The trophy was erected on the high ground of the ancient port of Monaco and marked the start of the Alps.

Comic book fans

Take a leap back in time with “AD ROMAM: Le Trophée d’Auguste”! A comic book set in Roman times that takes us on an incredible journey into the past!

A Divine and Immortal

Emperor

These trophies were usually dedicated to the deities of the victory. Here, it is Augustus himself who is hailed. Built on a shrine devoted to Heracles Monoikos (from which the name Monaco derives), Augustus is thereby likened to Hercules, the demi-god who was promised immortality after completing his twelve tasks. His exploit over the Alpine Barbarians legitimised the heroism of the emperor and highlighted his divine qualities.

Destruction

and Renewal

After the fall of the empire this outstanding trophy became the target for Barbarian invaders who set about trying to destroy it. In the Middle Ages, the structure became a fortress before being dismantled to use different sculpted sections in other projects. By the 19th century, the monument was nothing but a ruin.

After the province of Nice became part of France in 1860, the trophy was listed as a ‘Monument Historique’. In 1905, the French Society for Archaeological Excavations began excavating the trophy. Finally, two leading architects for historical monuments rebuilt part of the structure with funding from the American benefactor Edouard Tuck.

When in Rome... do as the Romans do

Every two years, La Turbie organises the Roman Festival, a fun one-day event where you can experience life in Roman times. The programme includes Gladiator fights, market stalls and entertaining street activities…

Panoramic Views

From the Parc du Trophée

This magnificent monument includes a botanical park and upper terraces established in 1993 offering truly “imperial” views. The path leading to the monument also offers wonderful vistas over the bay of Monaco. As the highest point of the ancient Via Julia Augusta, you can see the entire French Riviera, running from the Estérel and along the Italian coast. 2,000 years on, from this vantage point, the Trophy of Augustus still watches over the sea and the people.

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The Musée du Trophée:

Remains and reconstruction

Situated on the site of the Trophy, this little museum takes you back to Roman times. It features a model of the original trophy, prior to its destruction, displaying the former 12-tiered conical top. In addition, there are images of the excavations carried out on the site, castings of the main items found as well as milestones which, in days gone by, marked out the Via Julia Augusta.