The city of Arles, France, history, short article. Open left menu Arles. From the history of the city

The city of Arles is located on the banks of the Rhone River in the picturesque region of Provence, in southern France. It is famous primarily for the fact that the outstanding artist Van Gogh spent the last years of his life here and created a large number of paintings dedicated to this city, the most popular among them being the painting “Red Vineyards in Arles”. Many of the buildings, parks, streets and squares depicted on canvas still exist in the city in the form in which the great artist saw them. Having a centuries-old history and a huge cultural heritage, Arles has always attracted and inspired talented creative people. The famous admirer of bullfighting, Pablo Picasso, also dedicated two of his paintings and about 57 drawings to him.

• Area: 759 km²;
• Time zone: UTC+1, summer UTC+2;
• Population: 52,500.

Historical reference

Near Arles, archaeologists have discovered buildings dating back to the 6th millennium BC. Numerous remains of residential buildings date back to 2700 BC. Mass graves from 2500 BC were also found nearby.

Arles settled on a cliff located above the swamps surrounding the Rhone River delta. The Celtic-Ligurian settlement was called "Theline". In the 4th century BC, the settlement was colonized by the Greeks. And in 118 BC. e. This area of ​​Provence was captured by the Romans and active development of the region began: many houses were built in the city, a fortress wall, several temples, theaters, baths and arenas appeared. The Roman Emperor Constantine in 306 AD chose Arles as his official residence and from this period it became the “little Gallic Rome”, and from 417 also an important religious center in the prefecture of Gaul. The surviving remains of Roman monuments are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

During the reign of Louis XI, in 1481, Provence finally joined France. Being part of the French kingdom, Arles is experiencing another period of prosperity and becoming a large trading center, controlling transactions between the west and the east. However, unable to withstand the competition with Avignon, the city fell into decline for several decades. Frequent wars with neighboring regions also contributed to the descent into poverty. The revival and restoration of Arles begins in the 16th century, as evidenced by the magnificent medieval monuments that have survived to this day. One of the most beautiful remnants of the Renaissance period is the ancient clock tower, built in 1555.

Arles is the “gateway” to the land of the gypsies - the Camargue. In the 16th century, a stream of Jews and Gypsies poured into the city from Spain, hiding from the Spanish Inquisition. Therefore, Gypsy and Jewish culture left their traces in the region.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, a large number of luxurious mansions were built, which to this day form the charm of the old center. The 7 hotels of Arles, decorated with rich decoration, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1981.

Transport accessibility

Almost all of France is connected by railways. Arles can be reached by train in 20 minutes from Avignon, 25 minutes from Nîmes, 45 minutes from Marseille, and an hour from Montpellier. Having arrived at the Central Railway Station, you should transfer to any of the 6 city bus routes and get to the desired area. The nearest international airport is in Marseille.

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One of the oldest in the region (the first settlements date back to the 9th century BC), founded in ancient times by Greek colonists who arrived here in the 540s. BC e. They were attracted by the location in the Rhone delta and the proximity to another already existing Greek city - Massalia (present-day Marseille).

The Greeks named their city Tselina, or “Giver of Food.” Around 370 BC e. The Celts captured the virgin land, renamed it Arelat (“City of Sailors”), entered into an alliance with the Ligurians and began to fight with the city-republic of Massalia for influence in the region. On the side of Massalia were the elements (around 175 BC the Rhone overflowed its banks, flooding almost all the buildings) and the Romans, who had long been eager to put an end to the resistance of the Ligurians and Celts.

The Romans captured Arelat in 123 BC. e., in 118 BC. e. created the province of Narbonese Gaul, which included Arelat. It gained importance after the construction of a canal connecting it to the Mediterranean Sea in 104 BC. e.

At first, Rome supported the seaside Massalia, but the city did not live up to expectations and betrayed it. In 49 BC. e. refused to take part in the civil war on the side of Gaius Julius Caesar against Pompey the Great, and Caesar turned to Arelat. The city, rejoicing at the opportunity to settle scores with its rival, sent 12 warships to help Caesar. The Roman commander blocked Massalia from the sea and captured it.

In gratitude for his support, Caesar granted Arelat the status of a Roman city, settled veterans of the legions in it, and grandiose construction began. A powerful system of defensive structures, wide squares and streets were built, parks were laid out, a forum, a theater and a circus were built.

Arelat entered an era of prosperity, engaged in shipbuilding, trading in olive oil, wine and especially wheat, supplying the capital of the empire.

In the II century. it became even larger when a huge amphitheater was built. In the 3rd century. the improvement had to be interrupted due to the invasion of the Alemanni tribes.

In the 4th century. Arelat began its second golden age when Emperor Constantine the Great chose it as one of his main residences. After the death of the emperor, it retained its “imperial” status, and in 395 it also became the capital of Roman Gaul with the residence of the archbishop. It should be noted that it was awarded capital status only because the prefect of Gaul moved here from Trier - due to barbarian raids.

In 472, the Visigoths reached Arelat. The Roman Empire fell, the prosperity of Arles ended, and it became the object of rivalry between new barbarian kingdoms.

In the process of feudal wars and hereditary divisions, he first found himself in the Middle Kingdom, then in the Kingdom of Provence, the Kingdom of Boson, becoming its capital, and in the 10th century. - the capital of all Provence, then called the Kingdom of Arelat. In 1023 it became part of the Holy Roman Empire.

In 1131, a municipal government of consuls elected by the townspeople appeared in Arles, and in 1180 Arles declared itself a republic. Independence lasted until the mid-13th century, when Arles was captured by Count Charles of Anjou, brother of the French king Louis the Saint. In the 15th century after the dynastic wars it was finally annexed to France.

The main thing in Arles is its historical center: an area of ​​about 1 km 2 on the left bank of the Rhone. In the past, it was surrounded by a fortress wall from the south and east. The walls are long gone, in their place is a chain of boulevards Georges Clemenceau, de Lice and Emile Combe. From the northeast - the Rhone embankment.

The brilliant artist did not pay any attention to the Roman ruins - the main attractions, glorifying completely different corners of Arles.

Arles ceded its importance as the main port of Southern France to Marseille back in the 13th century. In the 15th century it lost its political role completely, but remained an important center of an agricultural region with developed cattle breeding and viticulture. And until the middle of the 19th century. the share of the urban population employed in the agricultural sector was 40%. In the 19th century built a railway connecting Arles, Marseille and Avignon.

The complex of Roman and Romanesque buildings of Arles is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Roman core of the historical center is in its southeast, in the Otur district, where the amphitheater and theater are located.

The Arles Amphitheater is smaller than the Roman Colosseum, but was built in the same era, during the Flavian dynasty, and architecturally inherits its older brother: tiers of arcades, an elliptical arena, an underground drainage system and stairs for crowds of visitors. It could accommodate up to 25 thousand spectators. At the end of the 6th century. it was turned into a fortress, the central arena became a square, and people settled in the corridors. The amphitheater was vacated only in 1840, having demolished the last houses attached to the Roman walls.

Today the amphitheater is the most visited architectural monument of Arles and a symbol of the city; plays are staged here, operas are given and bullfights are held.

The ancient theater was created on the model of ancient Greek temples under the emperor Octavian Augustus. In the Middle Ages, stone was taken from it for the construction of the Cathedral of St. Trophim. In the 9th century. converted into a fort. Today the international photo festival “Meetings in Arles” and the historical film festival are held.

Not far from the Old Town, the ruins of the baths of Constantine have been preserved: a steam room-caldarium with a heating system-hypocaust and a swimming pool for ablutions - a tepidarium.

From the once huge circus, the remains of the foundation have been preserved. Its central element, the obelisk that rose in the middle of the arena, today stands in front of the town hall.

A unique structure located under the town hall is the cryptoportico: Roman underground arched galleries, whose purpose has not yet been clarified.

The Alikamp necropolis is the final resting place of first the Romans, and in the Middle Ages - ordinary townspeople. It gained fame at the end of the 4th century, after the burial of the martyr Genest and Saint Trophimus was arranged there. The Cathedral of St. Trophime on the central Place de la République is one of the most famous examples of Provençal architecture of the 12th century.

The great artist Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) spent his last and most creative years in Arles - from 1888 to 1890. After leaving Paris, he moved to the south of France, to Arles, and intended to create a brotherhood of artists, the Workshop of the South. It was in Arles that his creative style took on a complete form.

He created very original paintings of Arles, capturing holidays in the amphitheater, the Roman necropolis and the Langlois bridge, street cafes and vineyards. During the artist’s lifetime, local residents treated him cruelly; after his death, he became their idol and brought glory to Arles. The Hotel-Dieu hospital where he was locked up has today been turned into an academic and cultural center for the artist - Espace Van Gogh. In the courtyard there are the same plants that are depicted in the paintings of the genius.

general information

Location : south of France.
Administrative affiliation : canton of Arles, Arles district, Bouches-du-Rhône department, region.
Based: around 540 BC e.
Languages: French, Occitan.
Ethnic composition : French, people from North Africa, Italy, Portugal, Spain.
Religions: Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam.
Currency unit : euro.
Nearest airport : international Marseille Provence.

Numbers

Square: 758.93 km 2 .
Population: 52,566 people (2013).
Population density : 69.3 people/km 2 .
Highest point : 57 m, center.

Climate and weather

Subtropical Mediterranean.
Summers are long, hot and dry, winters are mild.
Average January temperature : +7°C.
Average temperature in July: +25°С.
Average annual precipitation : 524 mm.
Average annual relative humidity : 55-65%.

Economy

Industry: mechanical engineering, metallurgical, chemical, light, food.
Services sector: tourism, transport, trade.

Attractions

Historical

Ancient Roman buildings (forum - 30-20s BC, theater - late 1st century BC, Alikamp necropolis - 1st century BC, museum from the 18th century, amphitheater - 80-90, circus - about 149, baths of Constantine - 4th century, obelisk - 4th century)

Architectural

Cryptoportics are underground arched galleries (1st century BC)

Abbey of St. Caesarea (VI century)

Church of St. Julian (opened in 1119, restored in the middle of the 20th century)

Chapel of St. Anne (built in 1175, restored at the beginning of the 17th century)

Podestà Palace (XIII century)

Murg Tower (XIV century)

Dominican Church of the Friars Preachers (1484)

Commandery of St. Lucia (XIII-XVI centuries)

Leper colony of St. Lazarus (XVI century)

Residential buildings (XVI-XVII centuries)

Archbishop's Palace (XVII-XVIII centuries)

The mansions of Gry (late 17th century), Quikeran (1755), Divon (1762), Luppe (XVII, XX centuries) and Lozières (XVIII century)

Town Hall (1673-1684)

Summer Garden (1863)

Langlois Bridge (XIX century)

Cult

Cathedral of St. Trophim (VIII-XV centuries, main construction - X-XI centuries)

Great Church of Our Lady (1152, rebuilt in the 17th century)

Church of St. Honorat (XII-XIII centuries)

Cultural

Museum of the History of Arles (founded in the 17th century, building 1995)

Van Gogh Cultural Center (building of the 16th-17th centuries)

Museum of Pagan and Christian Art

Reattyu Art Museum

Museum of Antiquity

Curious facts

In the 11th century The Kingdom of Arelat became part of the Holy Roman Empire, but for some time its emperors underwent a separate coronation ceremony with the crown of Arelat. This tradition was interrupted with the decline of the influence of Arles, and the empire grew so strong that its rulers were no longer worried about the loyalty of the former kingdoms that joined it.

The amphitheater hosted gladiator fights until the end of the Roman Empire. In 255, Emperor Trebonian Gall organized games in honor of his victories in Gaul. At the beginning of the 4th century. Constantine the Great celebrated the birth of his eldest son. Emperor Majorian celebrated victories over the Vandals in the 450s.
In 539, following the example of the Roman rulers, King Childebert I of Paris wanted to resume ancient entertainment in the amphitheater, but faced fierce resistance from the church.

The locals call the bullfight in the amphitheater, in the Greek manner, tauromachy. Many fights have been taking place since the end of spring
until the beginning of autumn. The most prestigious ones are for the Arles Cocarde d'Or Cup in early July. At the same time, they practice not only the “soft” version, when it is necessary to rip the cockade off the bull’s horns, but also the classic ritual in the Spanish style.

The Roman circus was intended for chariot racing, horse fighting and venation - baiting wild animals with dogs.

The most difficult period of Van Gogh’s life, who was constantly depressed due to the lack of recognition of his work, is also associated with Arles. In 1888, another artist, Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), tried to help him, but almost died at the hands of a friend who abused absinthe. Van Gogh was placed in a psychiatric hospital in the ward of violent people. During periods of lucidity, Van Gogh asked to be released in order to continue his work, but at the request of the residents of Arles, who wrote an angry statement to the mayor, he was kept in the clinic and, ultimately, forced to leave the city.

While living in Arles, Van Gogh loved to walk along the beautiful promenade behind the Reattue Museum, watching the colors of the night play. Here he created many sketches of future paintings. During World War II, bombing destroyed much of the promenade, as well as the bars and bistros that the artist painted. True, the famous “Night Cafe” on Forum Square and the Langlois drawbridge, captured by Van Gogh, have survived.

There is not a single work by Van Gogh in the city's museums. The Foundation named after him (Fondation Vincent Van Gogh) exhibits works by contemporary authors inspired by his paintings.

The Langlois Bridge is not the original, but a copy. The original bridge was broken in 1926 and a reinforced concrete one was installed. When the city remembered Van Gogh, they decided to restore the bridge. Arles was lucky: all over Provence, old bridges were being dismantled. The exact same one was found, purchased, transported and installed. True, not at the historical site, but 5 km downstream.

The Arles doctor Felix Rey, who treated Van Gogh, spoke of him like this: “He always wore a coat that looked more like a robe and was all stained with paint. After all, he usually drew with his thumb, wiping it on a cloth. In addition, like a shepherd, he wore a straw hat with a huge brim that protected him from the sun.”

Arles is a paradise with an exciting history: these places were conquered by the Roman emperors Julius Caesar and Constantine the Great, and the French artists Gauguin and Van Gogh lived here. During his lifetime, the latter was able to sell only one painting - depicting the red vineyards of Arles.

Secluded and quiet Arles is completely drowned in the culture of Provence. The local museums are small, but original (there are no Van Gogh paintings in them, don’t look for them). In general, Arles is a small town, you can only walk around it. The city center of Arles, which combines Roman heritage and narrow streets lined with 18th-century houses, is included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites.

The colorful area of ​​Arles attracts photographers from all over the world, who come here to the National School of Photography for annual master classes and festivals.

How to get there

Since France is intertwined with railway lines, it is quite easy to get to Arles by train - from Avignon (20 minutes), from Nîmes (25 minutes), from Marseille (45 minutes), from Montpellier (60 minutes). You will arrive at the Central Railway Station, after which you will take one of 6 bus routes to any attraction.

A ticket for 1 trip costs 1.5 EUR, but it is better to purchase a one-day ticket with an unlimited number of trips for 6 EUR.

If you prefer to travel by car, the A53 Nîmes - Arles - Salon-de-Provence highway, connecting the A7 and A9 highways, will take you straight to the Roman-French city with a rich history and luxurious nature.

Prices on the page are for April 2019.

Search for flights to Nice (closest airport to Arles)

Cuisine and restaurants

When your hands finally get tired of clicking the camera shutter, you can take a break in an Arles restaurant. Cafe Margaux, next to the Church of St. Vincent (rue P.-Revoil, 1), is interesting with its interior in the style of a medieval hall, with heavy oak beams and ancient instruments on the walls, and its menu: bouybes, ratatouille, local wine. The prices are quite high, but the feast promises to be royal.

The famous Provençal fish soup bouaibes takes several days to prepare.

Arles sausages are a local delicacy. You can try them at La Charcuterie, and as an appetizer you will be offered pork trotters and oxtails.

Café Van Gogh is on the must-see pilgrimage list for tourists. Its interior recreates Van Gogh's painting "Night Cafe" as closely as possible.

Guides in Arles

Popular hotels in Arles

Sights of Arles

Picturesque, intimate Arles grew up on the banks of the Rhone. Its ancient history, dating back to 800 BC. e., survived the eras of Ligurian, Phoenician and Roman rule. The conquerors left a rich architectural heritage: an ancient amphitheater for 20 thousand spectators from the end of the 1st century AD. BC, built by Flavius, the ancient Roman theater of the era of Octavian Augustus (approximately 30-15 BC), during the excavations of which the famous “Venus of Arlesiana” was found (located in the collection of the Louvre), an early Christian temple, part of the city wall, the Baths of Constantine I. In 1981, all the monuments of ancient Arelat were classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Amphitheater

We begin our photo hunt from the city center, where the famous Roman amphitheater, which could accommodate up to 25 thousand spectators, is located 200 meters from the cathedral. It was built in 46 BC. e. This is not only the largest, but also the most ancient architectural monument of Arles. In the Middle Ages, the French converted the amphitheater into a fortress.

Currently, the “Roman” purpose of the monument has been returned: performances, bullfights and even theatrical fights take place there. And again, as in ancient times, the roar and enthusiastic screams of the motley crowd can be heard.

Ancient theater

No less striking photographs can be taken within the walls of the Ancient Theater, located 100 m southeast of the Amphitheater. The theater has been preserved somewhat worse, but this does not diminish the value of the huge stone blocks, polished by time. The example of the building demonstrates the typical principle of theater construction of that time. They consisted of three parts: seats for spectators, a stage and the so-called backstage. Ticket price - 8 EUR.

Church of St. Trophim

We turn west and after 100 meters we find ourselves on Republic Square, in the center of which stands the Church of St Trophime - a Roman Catholic cathedral, a striking example of Romanesque architecture and sculpture. Early Christian motifs are evident in the colorful drawings of the temple portals; biblical stories unfold before your eyes. The walls of the temple are decorated with canvases and tapestries by famous artists of the 17th-18th centuries, which glow in a special way under direct sunlight. You can visit the church in November - February from 10:00 to 17:00, in March-April, October from 9:00 to 18:00, in May-September from 9:00 to 19:00 for 4-5 EUR.

Montmajour Abbey

A trip to Montmajour Abbey near Arles in the cypress groves is a special page in your photo album. The cozy streets of the Benedictine abbey with green gardens, the silence of the chapel, the high walls of the church - even shots taken using an ordinary “soap box” convey the charm of this place. You can get there by buses No. 59 and 29 from the station (Arles - Saint-Rémy route). The abbey gates are open daily from 10:00 to 18:30. Ticket price - 6 EUR.

Baths of Constantine

You can get in touch with Roman history at the Thermal Baths of Constantine, located in the northern part of Arles. You shouldn’t count on bathing, but you can wander through the ancient corridors along which Emperor Constantine went to wash off the blood of his enemies after another battle. The cost of visiting is 3-4 EUR.

Les Baux de Provence

Another pretty town in the vicinity of Arles is Les Baux de Provence with a medieval castle. Entrance to the territory costs 8-10 EUR. It must be said that tourists have long been attracted to one of the most beautiful towns in France: various shows are held here from April to September.

Here you can get acquainted with the structure of siege weapons; you can see them in action at 11:00, 13:30, 15:30, and in July-August at 18:30. From 10:00 to 18:00 you can do archery, and at 12:00, 14:30 and 16:30 you can witness medieval duels. A light and music show is shown in abandoned quarries, the main subject of which is Van Gogh's paintings. Ticket price: 14.50 EUR, 18 EUR including the castle. You can get here by the same bus number 59.

In Arles there is a flexible system of discounts for visiting museums and monuments. The Advantage Pass, a ticket costing 16 EUR, is valid for 6 months for all museums and monuments, and the Liberté Pass for 12 EUR entitles you to visit 4 monuments and one museum of your choice.

Aliskan

The territory of Aliskan promises excellent photographs - a place that inspired artists, writers and poets from different eras. It was the most famous necropolis of the ancient world and, according to some literary scholars, it was mentioned in the poem “Roland the Furious” by Ludovico Ariosto and in the “Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri. You can visit Aliskan daily, from November to February from 10:00 to 17:00 (break 12:00-14:00), from March to April and in October from 9:00 to 18:00 (break 12:00-14 :00), from May to September 9:00-19:00. Ticket price - 9 EUR.

Camargue Park

In the Camargue Regional National Park, graceful flamingos walk among the magnificent vegetation, wild ducks swim in clear ponds, quacking, and bulls and horses graze in large herds in the fields. Here you can devote a couple of hours to walking, horseback riding, or more detailed exploration of the rocks and river banks.

Antique Museum of Arles

Another interesting place is the Antique Museum of Arles, which houses a unique collection of Roman Christian sarcophagi and sculptures, mosaics and inscriptions from the Augustinian period to the 6th century AD. e. Address: Av 1ere Division France Libre. Opening hours: daily, except Tuesday; from April to September 9:00-20:00, from October to March 10:00-18:00. Ticket price is 5-8 EUR, admission is free on the first Monday of the month.

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The territory of Arles was inhabited back in the first millennium BC, at that time the Ligurians lived here.
In 123 BC. the city was captured by the Romans. And Arles began to flourish and became an important city, this was facilitated by the construction of a canal in 104 BC, connecting the city with the Mediterranean Sea. But for some time he remained in the shadow of Marseille. Until chance provided him with the opportunity to side with Caesar in his fight against Pompey, who was supported by Marseille. Thanks to which, in 46 BC. became a Roman colony - Colonia Iulia Paterna Arelatensium Sextanorum , where the veterans of the sixth Roman legion settled. Arelat
– this is the name of the city in Latin.
The city has streets with sidewalks, a forum, a theater, an arena, marble public baths with running water, a 75 km long aqueduct: the city is supplied with water from 3 canals: for private houses, for public baths and for fountains, temples of Augustus, Diana, and the Good Goddess will be built .
In Arles there was a trading aristocracy, which concentrated in its hands the transportation of goods throughout the flourishing region of the Rhone. Its inhabitants were very devoted to luxury and pleasure.

Amphitheater was the main building of Galia. The elliptical-shaped auditorium accommodated 12 thousand people. Mostly Roman legionaries from the local garrison came here; gladiator fights with wild animals served as entertainment. Later, bloody or bloodless bullfights began to be held here. Bloodless bullfights are still a typical spectacle for Provence.

Roman theater in 12 BC

The Roman circus was built in 149 under Emperor Antonio Pius. The circus was built outside the city walls. 20 thousand spectators intervened.
It should be noted that the 2nd century was only the beginning of prosperity for Arles, which grew more and more over time. Of all the Gallic cities, only one Arles he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

Arles. Provence. France. In the IV-V centuries. Arles reached the peak of its development, the military city became a cultural and religious center, the most populous city in Gaul. In the 4th century, the temporary residence of Emperor Constantine the Great was located here.
(he called the second capital of his empire, Little Gallic Rome).
In the 4th century it became the richest city in the entire West.“The riches of the whole world flow here”
, - one modern writer said about Arles.
And even the emperors themselves spoke of him with admiration. They loved him and willingly lived in Arles, as in Trier.
At this time, Arles became a symbol of Christianity, the first early Christian basilica appeared (IV century)
In 934-1032 the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Arles. In the 5th century, on the site of the old cathedral, a Church of Saint-Trophime

, in honor of the holy first martyr Stephen.

Church of St. Trophim. In 1152, the rebuilt St. Stephen's Cathedral was dedicated to St. Trophimus, the founder of the first Christian community in Arle Arles. Tradition names Saint Trophimus as the first bishop
(II-III centuries).

The Church of St. Trophimus has three naves. In 1430, the eastern part of the temple was rebuilt, and in the 19th century. completely restored. The church portal is a masterpiece of Provençal sculpture. The figures of the apostles are placed between the columns and pilasters.

The holy martyr was buried at Arelat cemetery Alyskamp called "Champs Elysees", or otherwise "The Road to Paradise" (Les Alyscamps).

Necropolis of Alyscamp.

Necropolises of Alyscamps spread along Aurelia streets.

Ancient Alyscamp cemetery, meaning "Champs Elysees" or "Road to Paradise", is known back in the pre-Christian period of Arelat's history and was located outside the city walls along the Roman road Via Aurelia, connecting Arelat () with Massilia (Marseille).
In the 3rd century, the holy martyr Genest was buried here, after which a Christian necropolis was formed around his grave and the chapel built above it.
Most of the necropolises have not survived. But many are depicted in the paintings of Van Gogh and Gauguin.

Necropolis of Alyscamp.

Church of St. Honora at the Champs Elysees cemetery. The church was erected on the site of an ancient chapel in honor of St. Martyr Genest in the 11th-13th centuries after the transfer of control of the necropolis to the Marseille Abbey of St. Victor. Construction of the main nave of the temple stopped at the beginning of the 13th century, after which the temple remained unfinished to this day.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

In 1239, Arles became part of the County of Provence. And soon it lost its importance as the main port of Southern France to Marseille.
In 1246, the power of the Angevin dynasty was established in Provence. Since 1481 Arles belongs to France.
Since the end of the 15th century, the economy Arles declines and it becomes one of the provincial towns of Southern France.
In the 16th century, Arles experienced a boom again: the city was thriving, new buildings were being erected, and ancient buildings were being restored.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

From February 1888 to May 1889 artists worked in Arles Gauguin And Vincent Van Gogh.
For Van Gogh this was one of the most fruitful creative periods, here he created more than 200 works, including “Sunflowers”, “Arlesian Woman”, “The Sower”, “The Harvest”, “Night Cafe”, “Red Vineyards in Arles”, “ Van Gogh's bedroom in Arles", "The Yellow House".
Not far from the station on Place Lamartine, Van Gogh set up a workshop for himself, the facade of which was painted yellow. The Yellow House was the name of the workshop; unfortunately, it was not preserved during the war.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul.

Vincent was full of hopes that the southern workshop, imbued with an atmosphere of friendship, would become the embryo of the painting of the future.

Some of the buildings and squares painted by the artist can still be seen in the city. Although none of Van Gogh's works are exhibited in In 1152, the rebuilt St. Stephen's Cathedral was dedicated to St. Trophimus, the founder of the first Christian community in.
"Night Cafe" - Cafe "Alcazar" - Vincent wrote three nights in a row.
“Through red and green colors, I tried to express fatal human passions... I tried to show that a cafe is a place where you can go broke, go crazy, commit a crime.”
Van Gogh was in love with Arles and Provence. “Everything around you, wherever you look, begs to be seen.” "I have a constant thirst for work." Van Gogh and Gauguin often painted necropolises of Alyscamps.
Gauguin, unlike Van Gogh, did not like Arles. “Everything here is small, insignificant - nature and people. Without exaggeration, one can say the most miserable hole in the South!”- said Gauguin.
What followed was the story of the cut off ear and the hospital, whose courtyard Van Gogh often painted. Now there is a cultural center here.
Another famous artist and bullfighting enthusiast, Picasso, painted 2 famous paintings and 57 drawings in Arles.
Arles is also a center of photography; the city is home to one of the most prestigious and expensive

Arles has a unique atmosphere of a French town. This place is famous for its ancient Roman architectural monuments; arenas and baths have been preserved here since ancient times. Of course, many tourists are attracted by the fact that Van Gogh once lived and worked in the city. Currently, the old hospital houses a museum that houses materials about the artist, a collection of his drawings and paintings. The landscapes of Arles have remained virtually unchanged since the time of Van Gogh.

Geographical location of Arles.

The city of Arles, with an area of ​​759 sq. km. is located in the south of France (Bouches-du-Rhône department) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Located at the beginning of the Rhone River delta, slightly west of Marseille (the main city of the region).

Climate of Arles.

The climate, as in all of Provence, is Mediterranean, which brings warmth and mountainous - freshness and coolness. A large number of sunny days, irregular precipitation, hot summers and mild winters. In summer the air temperature reaches +35 degrees, in winter it does not drop below 7-10. The best time to visit Arles is considered to be from the end of May to the end of June, when the temperature does not rise above 26, and the blooms and blue sky turn this place into a real paradise. Although in winter, due to the lack of snow and the huge number of evergreens, the city is attractive to tourists.

Historical information about Arles.

The name of the city in antiquity is Arelat, whose first inhabitants were the Ligures (an ancient tribe inhabited in 800 BC). The city became an important trading port before the Romans took it over in 123 BC. After the construction of a canal connecting it to the Mediterranean Sea, the city gained special importance, but was still inferior to Massilia (the former name of the city of Marseille ), which was located directly on the coast. During Caesar's civil war against Pompey, Arelates sided with Caesar, in opposition to Massilia. As a result, after Caesar's victory, Arelate received many of the privileges that Marseille had previously had. The city is home to a veterans' colony and a sixth legion camp. Arelat was an important religious and cultural city of the province of the Roman Empire - Narbonese Gaul, then it was surrounded by walls, had many monuments, a triumphal arch, a theater, an amphitheater, and a circus. The ancient city was closer to the sea and was considered an important port, and there was a pontoon bridge with floating supports across the Rhone River. Arelate is considered the center where the spread of Christianity in Gaul began. In the 4th-5th centuries, the city of Arelat was loved by Emperor Constantine I, he built baths in this place and his son was born here: Constantine II. And Constantine III in 408, proclaiming himself Emperor of the West, made Arelat the capital. In the 6th century, the Visigoths captured and ravaged the city, and around 739, the Arabs took power over Arelat. Then, from 934-1032, Arles was the capital of the great Kingdom of Arles. In 1239, the city lost its political independence and joined the County of Provence, losing its role as the main port to Marseille.

Attractions in Arles.

The city of Arles has many ancient attractions: a theater, part of the city wall, an amphitheater. The Roman Theater, founded during the reign of Emperor Augustus, can seat approximately 8,000 people. Now in use again, modern equipment slightly spoils the interior of the ancient building, and only a few columns remain from the back wall. In the Middle Ages, the theater was used as a quarry; it was from the stone brought from here that the city wall was built. During excavations, artifacts were found on the site, most of which are located in the Arles Art Museum.

The Roman Catholic Church of St Trophime was built from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The church is one of the main examples of Romanesque culture. The walls of the church tell various stories from the Bible and are decorated with sculptures.

The city's main tourist attraction is the amphitheater, built at the end of the 1st century. Since 1981 it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The amphitheater's arenas were used for spectacles, chariot races and gladiator fights were held here. Starting from the 6th century, the arenas became a fortress, they took refuge from the invasion of barbarians, then 4 towers were added and thus a full-fledged castle was created. More than two hundred buildings were erected inside and 2 churches were built. Currently, the arenas host performances, bullfights, concerts and costumed performances of gladiator battles.

Trouille Castle (Le Chateau de Trouille) is now the name given to the remains of the palace of Constantine the Great. An obelisk 15 meters high placed in front of the town hall, ruins of temples, a triumphal arch and numerous tombstones. The Baths of Constantine are considered the largest Roman baths in Provence, located next to the ruins of the palace. The Saint-Tropheme Cathedral is located in the central square and is an example of Provençal architecture from the 12th century. The temple itself is surrounded by beautiful monasteries, on the opposite side of the square there is the town hall building, and under the walls there is an underground gallery of the cryptorium of the Roman forum. Alyscamps is a huge necropolis located near the old part of Arles. The name comes from Eilisii Campi, Champs Elysees, the valley in which the ancient Romans believed the souls of the dead lived. In Roman cities, it was the norm to bury people along the roads outside the city. Alyskamp was the main cemetery for almost 1,500 years, and both wealthy townspeople and mere mortals found their final refuge here. Until 1152, St. Trophimus was buried here, then the remains were transported to the cathedral, and the cemetery lost its prestige. The famous necropolis was plundered during the Renaissance, officials gave sarcophagi as souvenirs to famous people, and local residents used stones from the graves in construction. In the 19th century, during the construction of the railway and canal, the necropolis underwent significant changes, but, nevertheless, now this place is a large open museum, on the edge of which stands the magnificent Church of Saint-Honoré. In the Museum of Ancient Arles you can find the best preserved tombstones and sarcophagi. The city of Arles has many museums and art galleries where you can see unique exhibitions and relics of ancient eras. For example, the Antique Museum of Arles, or the Arlaten Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of Provence, or the Reatu Art Museum, located in a 15th century monastery opposite the Roman Baths. The Old Church of St. Anne now houses a museum of antiquities. Behind the Reatu Museum there is a beautiful embankment where Van Gogh once loved to walk.

It will be convenient for tourists to use the Museum pass (can be purchased at any tourist office or at museum ticket offices), which provides entry to all museums in the city, except the Van Gogh Foundation.

The city of culture, festivals and art constantly attracts artists; Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso stayed here. Although none of Vincent's works are exhibited in Arles, he nevertheless painted more than 200 paintings here.

Excursions from Arles.

A two-hour walking tour of the city is offered, which includes visits to the Church of St. Trophimus, the amphitheater, the cellars of the Roman Forum, the Palace of Constantine and the Roman Theater. And then, a short trip to places associated with Van Gogh.

5 kilometers from Arles, the former Benedictine Montmajour Abbey has found its shelter, which more closely resembles a fortress built in the 10th century. About 3 km away you can see the ruins of the Roman aqueducts that supplied water to the city of Arles in ancient times. 200 meters from the abbey there is a small chapel of the Holy Cross and baroque ruins. 5 km from Montmajour is the most attractive attraction of French Provence - the Daudet Windmill.

On a guided tour you can visit the ruined medieval town of Les Baux de Provence, dating back to 950. On foot you can stroll through the courtyard of love, considered a place of refined poetry, and see the window of the Protestant church, on which the inscription “after darkness comes light” has been preserved since 1571. This magnificent city with its history attracts many tourists.

From Arles you can also book an excursion called “All of Provence in one day” or “Lavender fields and cities of Provence”. It includes a visit to the most beautiful cities of France (Les Beau, Saint Remy, Rousillon, Gordes), an ancient Roman aqueduct and a lavender museum.

Places for entertainment and shopping in Arles.

The city of Arles is considered the center of photography; it is home to the National School of Photography and hosts the International Festival every summer. The city of Provence has many restaurants, cafes and bars with delicious cuisine. In the world-famous culinary center you can taste the best wines, traditional drinks, and national dishes. There are also many shops in the city: a bookstore, Le Balto (the best cigar store), clothing boutiques, for example, Christian Lacroix. Along the main boulevard there is a market where you can buy cheese, olive oil, and sausages. For those who want to relax, the city has swimming pools, spas, massage centers, cinemas, a botanical garden, and for lovers of nightlife in Arles there are clubs and themed establishments, which are famous for their unforgettable performances and show programs.

Conclusion.

One of the largest cities in Provence, Arles is surrounded by beautiful surroundings: the dry plains of Cros, the Rhone River and the Camargue countryside. It is believed that Arles is the gateway to the Camargue, the land of the gypsies and the place where you can meet Camargue cowboys. The Regional National Park is an amazing area that is home to flamingos, wild ducks, bulls and horses. The nature of the city and its surroundings is unique: the smell of lavender, the unusual color of the sky and the sun. Modern Arles is a small Rome, majestic ruins inhabited by shepherds.

Arles is an ancient city whose history goes back to the distant past. The city has a huge number of ancient buildings dating back to Roman times. All the ancient Roman monuments of the city are included in the UNESCO heritage list and are of great interest to city guests. In addition, Arles is famous for the fact that it was here that the great Van Gogh, in a fit of madness, cut off his ear. It was in Arles that the artist completed the most brilliant and famous works in his career, but here he began to experience constant bouts of madness.

The city's attractions

Urban development in Arles is quite traditional for cities in the south of France. Small, cozy houses made of white brick, covered with red tiles and blue shutters on the windows - this is what standard city blocks of the city look like.

Between the houses there are shady alleys where it is so pleasant to sit and relax. Well, the city center greets us with ancient Roman buildings, with which many associate Arles.

The theater and amphitheater buildings built in Roman times are especially popular. The amphitheater looks the most majestic and seats about 25 thousand spectators.

Currently, the building is still in use and traditional bullfights are held there.

There are many other buildings located on the main square of Arles. The main building of the square is the Church of Sant Trofim, which was built in the 3rd century, in honor of a local saint. The church looks quite simple, but the carved portal, made in the 12th century, greatly adds color and attractiveness to the building.

The Church of Sant Trofim is not only a historically important building, it is also famous for the fact that Frederick Barbarossa was crowned here in 1178. Next to the church is the city hall, built in the 17th century, with a bell tower. There are several historically significant buildings and museums around.

The Arlesian Museum is of interest to those who want to take a closer look at the history of the city and the region. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the museum offers a rich collection of fine art, furniture, household items and jewelry. The Museum of Old Arles, dedicated to the ancient history of the city, is also interesting to visit.

Near the river are the remains of the palace of Emperor Constantine, which was almost completely destroyed during the invasion of the city by the Visigoth tribes. The embankment suffered greatly during the Second World War, many parts were completely destroyed during the bombing.

But, after the onset of peacetime, the best architects of the country took up the restoration and restoration of the most beautiful part of Arles. Something was built anew, something was recreated again. In particular, the famous street lamps that are depicted on Van Gogh’s canvas can be seen in their original form.

It is impossible not to dwell on the figure of Van Gogh. A shadow that haunts residents and visitors of the city in almost all parts of the city. In almost all restaurants, cafes and bistros of Arles, especially in its central part, there is speculation on the name of the artist.

The artist arrived in the city in 1888, and during his stay in Arles, more than 200 canvases were painted.

A year later, Gauguin arrives to visit Van Gogh. During friendly gatherings, the great artist suffered from some kind of insanity, the culprit of which may have been absinthe; the result of this is known even to people who are not the most knowledgeable in painting; Van Gogh cut off his ear.

The painter was sent to the clinic, which currently houses an art gallery dedicated to its great resident.

Later, the residents of Arles wrote a petition, which resulted in Van Gogh being transferred to live in the monastery of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. After some time, the artist died.

True, this happened near Paris, in a small psychiatric clinic where he was placed. Another cult place for fans of Van Gogh’s talent is a small cafe located on the Forum Square.

The interior of Van Gogh's cafe is completely identical to the one depicted in the artist's painting, and has been maintained this way for many years.

Fortunately, there are a lot of people who want to visit the cafe and join, at least in this way, the work of the great artist.

Arles is truly a tourist city. For the convenience of city guests, everything is done here. If you have the opportunity to visit Arles, then it is definitely worth doing, it is unlikely that anyone will be dissatisfied.

Arles - the birthplace of the great Van Gogh - VIDEO

Van Gogh arrived in Arles in 1888, and during his stay in Arles he painted more than 200 canvases.