Cryptoporticus

The cryptoportico of Reims, an underground gallery from Antiquity

Beneath Place du Forum hides one of the oldest witnesses of Reims: the cryptoportico, an underground gallery inherited from Roman times. On the surface, the square was long the centre of the ancient city, then the market square. The Reims audio-guided tour descends here to reveal Gallo-Roman Durocortorum, concealed beneath today's town.

A horreum at the heart of the Roman city

The cryptoportico is a semi-buried U-shaped gallery, a horreum, that bordered the forum of the ancient city. On this square the political, commercial and judicial affairs of Reims were once settled. In the nineteenth century a covered market was even built there, before being destroyed during the war. Now cleared, one of these galleries offers a rare dive into Roman town planning.

What to see

Here you discover the scale of the underground vaults and the quality of Roman construction, still standing beneath the square for nearly two thousand years. The place sometimes hosts cultural events, including summer concerts, which give this mineral setting a living dimension. It is an unexpected stop, halfway between archaeology and urban stroll.

Practical information

The cryptoportico lies beneath Place du Forum, right in the centre of Reims, reachable on foot. Note: the site has gone through periods of closure for works, and access may be restricted depending on the season and the programme. Before any visit, it is strongly advised to check the opening status with the tourist office. The square, on the surface, remains freely accessible.

What is the cryptoportico of Reims?

It is a Roman underground U-shaped gallery, a horreum, that bordered the forum of ancient Durocortorum, beneath today's Place du Forum.

Can the cryptoportico be visited?

Its access has seen closures for works and may vary with the season; it is best to check the opening status with the tourist office before coming.