Cryptoportique

Right beneath the modern pavements that Reims is famous for, lies an astonishing monument of antiquity. The Cryptoporticus is a majestic 3rd-century Gallo-Roman structure, a vaulted gallery that once served as the northern section of the vast Durocortorum Forum. It is a rare testament to the Roman past, preserved in the very heart of modern-day France.

Cryptoporticus. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The site is striking in its austere monumentality: this semi-underground corridor with massive stone pilasters once served as a covered market or a storage area for provisions. Today, it is one of the few such structures remaining in Europe, offering tourists the chance to literally step back several centuries into the history of the ancient world.

To check for the most up-to-date information before visiting this unique site, we recommend contacting the city's tourist office. Below are the main contact details for planning your visit to the Cryptoporticus.

Descending the monumental staircase, you will find yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of an ancient Roman gallery. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll between the stone pillars—where traces of ancient decor are still visible in places—and feel the cool air that these walls have preserved for centuries. The silence and grandeur of the underground space create a sharp contrast with the bustling city life above.

During the warmer months, cultural events and open-air concerts are often held on Place du Forum in front of the Cryptoporticus. After exploring the underground corridors, be sure to see nearby landmarks like the Hôtel Le Vergeur, or simply relax on the comfortable benches while enjoying the view of the historical architecture. This location is perfect for those seeking inspiration in the details of the past.

The Cryptoporticus is located in the heart of the historic district on Place du Forum. It is very easy to reach on foot from the famous Reims Cathedral or the City Hall—the walk takes no more than 10 minutes. If you arrive by TGV high-speed train from Paris, the walk from the station to the square will take about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace through picturesque streets.

For those who prefer public transport, the most convenient option is the tram lines. You should get off at the Centre Erlon-Ouest or Centre Erlon-Est stops, which are just a few blocks from the site. Alternatively, you can always use a local taxi in the city center, which will comfortably take you directly to Place du Forum from anywhere in the city.

The construction of this grand site dates back to approximately the 3rd century AD. At that time, the city was known as Durocortorum and served as the capital of the Roman province of Belgica. The forum, of which the cryptoporticus was a part, reached impressive dimensions—250 meters in length—underscoring the high status of the ancient settlement.

The name of the structure itself comes from the Latin words "crypta" (hidden) and "porticus" (porch or portico). The galleries remained almost entirely hidden underground for nearly fifteen hundred years. They were discovered by sheer chance only in 1922, during construction work in the city center for a new covered market on the site of old 19th-century buildings.

The uniqueness of the Reims Cryptoporticus lies in its exceptional state of preservation. Only five such structures remain in Europe, four of which are located in France. In antiquity, its pilasters were decorated with elegant frescoes, and the interior might have housed altars or statues of emperors, symbolizing the power of Rome.

Exploring the underground gallery itself usually takes very little time—anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. This makes the site an ideal addition to a main walking tour of the city center without overloading your schedule.

If you decide to linger in the square for a coffee at one of the nearby establishments or to study the memorial plaques, you should budget about an hour for this location. Its compact location makes it easy to combine a visit with the main cathedrals and museums.

At the moment, access to the interior of the structure may be limited. We strongly recommend checking the current opening hours on the city's official tourism portal before planning your visit.

Even if the gallery entrance is closed, Place du Forum itself and the exterior elements of the Cryptoporticus can be viewed at any time free of charge, making it a great spot for a walk even late in the evening.

A stroll around the Place du Forum area will allow you to dive deeper into the historical atmosphere of this region. Reims is rich in architectural masterpieces and cozy urban spaces, many of which are within walking distance.