Taurobolic altar dug into the cliff. For many years, the large fluted shell on top of the altar block led pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela to believe that it was a sign showing them which way to go.
Taurobolic altar dug into the cliff. For many years, the large fluted shell on top of the altar block led pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela to believe that it was a sign showing them which way to go.
The construction was probably part of a place of worship,, either dedicated to a water divinity (a drainage channel passed nearby under the quarries and joined the Auge stream), or linked to the operation of the quarries (a number of marine fossils can be seen in the local stone, hence the shell design). It is located on the D17 between Paradou and Fontvieille, along an untarred path which leads to a private property, the 'Mas des Taillades'. In the Middle Ages, the site became a landmark for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
All year round, daily.
