Visiting the ancient city of Arles is an experience to be enjoyed by everyone. Not only is it the home of one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, but it is also a city that has been a major center of the arts, and is famous for its architecture and for its cafes and restaurants. Whether you are a tourist or a local, you can spend a day in this beautiful city by making a few simple plans.
Place de la Republique
Located in the heart of Arles, Place de la Republique, which is also called Republic Square, is one of the most important landmarks of the city. The place is surrounded by several historical buildings. These buildings date back to antiquity, and have been modified by constructions around them.
Among the most notable structures is a 20-meter-high Roman obelisk, which was erected during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine II. This monument stands in the center of the Republic Square.
Another interesting structure in the square is the obelisque, which is a 4th century Roman obelisk. The obelisque is made of red granite and sits in the center of the place.
Place du Forum
Located in the city of Arles, France, the Place du Forum is a public square, reminiscent of the Roman forum in ancient times. Today, this square is a popular destination with tourists and offers a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
The main attraction here is the Tambourin Cafe, a reconstruction of the Cafe Terrace that Van Gogh painted in 1888. The cafe is still open, and the cafe is a lovely spot to sit and people watch. The cafe features Van Gogh's unique star motif and is illuminated with sulfur pale yellow and citron green.
There is also the Musée Lapidaire, a museum dedicated to the ethnography of Provence. The museum is housed in a former mansion known as Laval-Castellane. It was acquired by the Jesuits in the seventeenth century.
Cafe Van Gogh
During Vincent van Gogh's stay in Arles, he painted a number of works. He painted self-portraits, still lifes, and landscapes. Some of his paintings were inspired by the rugged landscape of Provence. He was also inspired by the quaint towns and villages of the area.
He spent about three months in Arles, and completed more than 300 works during this time. He produced more than 100 drawings and about 200 paintings. A painting of his, Cafe Terrace at Night, is one of the most famous works by the artist. It is located on the Place du Forum in Arles.
Museum of Ancient Arles
Located on the Cirque Romain peninsula in Provence, the Museum of Ancient Arles is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Its collection includes mosaics, sarcophagi and vases. The museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, except on Mondays.
The site also includes mockups of the ancient Roman city. It is the best source of evidence to witness life in Antiquity in the Provence region. Besides artifacts and coins, the museum includes Roman statues.
Visitors to the museum can enjoy special events in its large temporary exhibition space. There is also a cafeteria and a documentation center.
Church of St. Trophieme
Visiting the cathedral of Saint Trophime in Arles is a worthwhile experience. This Romanesque church is located on the Place de la Republique in the Provencal city of Arles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries. It is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
The church's front facade is adorned with large statues of apostles and the image of the saint. The west facade contains remains of ancient Roman relics.
The cloister of the church contains rows of double pillars and capitals that depict biblical scenes. Visitors can also tour the entire interior. These cloisters are a testament to the integration of Arles into medieval culture.
Abbey of Montmajour
During the Middle Ages, the Abbey of Montmajour was a major pilgrimage site. The Abbey was founded in 948 by Benedictine monks. It was destroyed during the French Revolution. It has now been restored. The site features panoramic views of the Alpilles Mountains.
The Abbey of Saint Peter in Montmajour was also a source of inspiration for Vincent van Gogh. The site contains a Romanesque hermitage and a chapel. The church contains two parallel naves, a narthex, and a choir. It has beautifully carved capitals.
The cloisters are lined with rows of double pillars and feature carved animals. This is one of the most impressive places in Arles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.