Saintes
Saintes is a town and commune in France, in the Charente-Maritime département, of which it is a sous-préfecture. Population (1999): 25,595.
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History
In Roman times, the town was called Mediolanum Santonum. It was founded in about 20 BC.
Saintes was the capital of the former province of Saintonge.
Geography
Saintes is located on the banks of the Charente River.
Sights
The Arch of Germanicus, a triumphal arch, was built at the entrance to a bridge where the main Roman road crossed the Charente River. The bridge was demolished in 1843, but the Arch was saved and rebuilt at its present location on the bank of the river.
Miscellaneous
Saintes is twinned with:
- Nivelles, Belgium
- Timbuktu, Mali
- Vladimir, Russia
- Salisbury, England, United Kingdom
- Cuevas del Almanzora, Spain
- Xanten, Germany