Le cryptoportique

* Tales of the crypt *
Arles is loaded with some amazing Roman ruins. But the one that really wowed was this hidden one underneath city hall.
These were originally built in the first century BC! And are now deep below the modern day city hall.
They only allow a limited number of people down to the depths at a time, which initially gave us the impression that they must be small. But there was a large network of connecting chambers to wander through with very interesting ancient architecture around every turn.
This is not a curated museum. This is a wet, dark, kind of spooky, underground maze of tunnels and vaulted chambers.
Rumour has it they used to be used to store slaves way back when for slave auctions. Not sure if that is true. But in any case, it made for an amazing little bit of unexpected exploration deep underground!
Perhaps they only allow a few people down at a time to keep it feeling a bit empty and spooky!!!