Trophee d'Auguste (Trophy of Augustus), La Turbie

Roman monument dominating the town of La Turbie

featured in Sights & sites

Built in the year 6 BC, the trophy of Augustus honoured Octavius, Caesar's nephew and future emperor under the name of Augustus, who had conquered the Alpine tribes.

Trophies were traditionally dedicated to the gods of victory, in this case it was part of a sanctuary dedicated to Hercules Monoikos, from which the name of "Monaco" comes from. It was built at the frontier between Gaul and Italy, proclaiming the unity and power of the Roman Empire. The 45 ancient Alpine tribes were defeated during the military campaign to conquer the Alps conducted by the Romans between 16 and 7 BC.

It was built with limestone from a quarry just 500 metres away, and traces of the cutting of stone are still visible. Encircled by columns, this building was originally crowned with a statue of Augustus. There is an inscription commemorating the emperor and stating the name of the 45 subdued tribes on its south façade. It became a ruin during the war between France and Savoie, in the 18th century, but it was restored in the 1930's.

There is a museum that explains the monument and the importance of this area for the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the amount of ruins in the region. From the highest point, you also get breathtaking views of the entire French Riviera, from Estérel to the coast of Italy.

Visitor comments

"Before we got there, we thought visiting the Trophee would just a quick stop in a jam packed day. Ended up spending more than 2 hours to soak in everything this site has to offer. The entrance/ticket can be difficult to locate since the surrounding area is like a maze. But once you get, enjoy the views on the way walking up to the main site. There is a museum there with great information and 3D model of the Trophee now and what they think the original looks like. There are also numerous informative illustrations scattered around explaining the un-restored parts you see and how they built it over 2000 years ago. Lastly, make sure you wait for the guided tour to walk up to the top of the Trophee to get the close up look of the structure and the amazing view at the very top." - Trip Advisor
"The ruins are spectacular and awesome. Interesting history as well. The museum, which is tucked back in the corner, is one of the better ones I've ever seen. Incredibly well done with excellent interactive exhibits. Do not miss this one." - Trip Advisor
"A short detour off the road to Monaco - a very interesting and well preserved Roman monument, surprisingly well preserved/restored for a triumphal monument! It takes a while to figure out where the entrance is as the signs on what looked to us as the main entrance were contradictory (one left one right) and both wrong as they led to dead-ends. Eventually we found the entrance on the opposite side of the monument, with a short walk up to it. Also note that (late April, late afternoon) the steps up the monument were locked, but the guard at the museum was happy to open them and accompany us up to the top for great views and a better appreciation of the monument. Definitely worth the stop!!" - Trip Advisor