Antigone, Montpellier

Antigone, Montpellier

Designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill in 1978, Antigone is a new neighborhood with neo-classical structures inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece.

Designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill in 1978, Antigone is a new neighborhood with neo-classical structures inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece. Located on the former firing range of the Joffre barracks, the 36 hectare area between the Polygon and Lez River has wide boulevards and plazas, parks, major residential areas, shops, schools, and sports, cultural and administrative facilities. It has copies of famous Graeco-Roman sculptures such as the Victory of Samothrace, the Venus of Arles, and the Diana of the Doe. The Greek inspiration is not just limited to the architecture, but also to the names of streets such as Rue d'Athenes and Rue de Thebes, and squares like Place de Marathon and Place de Sparte. Also of note are the Olympic Swimming pool, Place du Nombre d' Or, Polygone shopping centre, Place de la Europe, Les Rives du Lez, Hotel de Region, Emile-Zola Library, Hotel de l'Agglomeration, and Halles Jacques-Coeur.