DK Travel : Provence and Côte d'Azur : Roman Arles

Roman Arles

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One of the region’s most charming old towns, Arles was originally founded by Greek traders but soon gained favour with Caesar and his successors and flourished into one of the most important provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Like many cities of the era, it was built to resemble a miniature version of Rome. Scattered around the narrow streets are relics of a lost empire, complete with the 4th-century remains of an emperor’s palace, the remnants of a Roman circus and an arena where gladiatorial contests were staged, but all this gives only a hint of the town’s wealth in Roman times.
For more Roman sights in Provence (see Roman Sights)

Top 10 Sights

1. Les Arènes

One of the most spectacular Roman relics in Provence, this well-preserved arena has two floors of arches and seats for 20,000 spectators.
2. Musée Archéologique d’Arles

The finest collection of Roman sculpture in Provence. Highlights include a marble statue of Emperor Augustus, a statue of Venus and a massive Altar of Apollo.
3. Théâtre Antique

All that remains of the Roman theatre are these two graceful columns, nicknamed the “two widows”. The theatre was once the hub of Roman Arles.
4. Porte de la Redoute and Tour des Morgues

These battered gate towers stand either side of the former Via Aurelia, the highway which ran all the way from Arles to Rome.
5. Thermes de Constantin

A semi-circular apse marks the site of the once palatial bathhouse built in the 4th century, in the reign of Emperor Constantine.
6. Les Alyscamps

An avenue of marble sarcophagi marks the site of the Roman necropolis where the city’s dignitaries were buried. Among the many legends surrounding the site, it is claimed that Christ appeared here.
7. Eglise St-Trophime

This spectacular Romanesque church, with its beautiful carved stonework, was originally devoted to St Stephen. In the 10th century it became the church of St Trophimus (see Eglise St-Trophime, Arles).
8. Egyptian Obelisk

The square-sided obelisk with carved features is likely to have been a trophy from Rome’s conquest of Egypt during Emperor Augustus’s reign.
9. Cryptoportiques du Forum

This amazing labyrinth of chambers beneath the ancient Forum was the city’s granary, carved out of the ground during the 1st century AD.
10. Place du Forum

Nothing remains today but the name of the Forum, the market which was the very heart of Roman Arles. However the place du Forum is still the hub of the town.

Practical Information

Get to the Place du Forum by midday to be sure of having a café table. Les Arènes, rondpoint des Arènes Open Mar–Sep: 9am– 6:30pm, Oct–Feb: 10am–4:30pm daily Adm €4.00 Musée Archéologique, presqu’île du Cirque Romain Open Mar–Oct: 9am– 7pm, Nov–Feb 10am– 5pm daily Adm €5.35 Thermes de Constantin rue du Grand Prieuré Open Mar– Sep: 9–11:30am, 2– 6:30pm, Oct–Feb: 10–11:30am, 2–4:30pm daily Adm €3.00 Les Alyscamps ave des Alyscamps Open Mar–Sep: 9–11:30am, 2–5:30pm, Oct–Feb: 10–11:30am, 2–4:30pm daily Adm €3.50 Cryptoportiques du Forum rue Balze Open May–Sep: 9–11:30am, 2–6pm; Mar, Apr & Oct: 9–11:30am, 2–5:30pm; Nov–Feb: 10–11:30am, 2–4:30pm daily Adm €3.50

Reviews

Sherry

I found this town to be so much fun. It has a fascinating history, lots to see and explore, and it had once of the BEST markets that I ever visited in France (so big it was impossible to get through in one day)!

about a year ago

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