Cities of France: Arles

The city of Arles (Arle) is one of the main transport hubs of Provence, from which it is easy to visit both the resort areas of the Azure coast and the reserved lands of Kamarga and the Roman ruins of Nimes or the vineyards of Rhone.

One of the oldest cities in the region (its foundation belongs to II in. to N. NS.) and the capital of the ancient Arral kingdom (934-1032.), he has repeatedly destroyed the invaders and lost its political importance by 1239 by entering the composition of Provence. However, his glory as one of the most colorful cities of the region did not die, and in the future he gave a shelter to many great artists and architectors.

sights

Arral decoration are the numerous ruins of the capital of the Ligurov – Antique Islata, UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, in the very center of the modern city, you can see well preserved Roman amphitheater, Part of the urban wall, theatre (All – I in. to N. NS., still used for the corrida) and Terms of Constantine (the largest Roman terms in Provence) with the ruins of the Palace of the Emperor, who once extended on the coastline almost 300 meters. Also good numerous fragments of ancient buildings, literally built into the later epoch buildings, and the old Roman cemetery of the south-east center, which in the Middle Ages has become a necropolis of the most prosperous citizens of the city, – Alisian. Now these shady alleys and many original tombstones also serve as a real historical monument, the peculiar beauty of which is emphasized by simple Romanesque Saint-Onor Church (XII B.) located on the edge of Aliska.

Antique Museum Arlya (Open daily, from March to October – from 9.00 to 17.00, from November to February – from 10.00 to 17.00; The entrance – 5.5 euros) is located southwest from the high-speed motorway, at the river itself, and its location is clearly chosen with such a calculation so that all Roman and medieval monuments of the city are within 3-5 minutes walk from it. And the axis of the museum complex coincides with Amphitheater II century of our era and a huge hippodrome (excavations are temporarily suspended), which stretches as much as 450 meters from the museum to the motorway.

Saint-Trophe Cathedral On the Central Square De La Republique is one of the most famous examples of Provencal architecture XII century. And the temple itself, the construction of which was started in the 9th century in place, where in 597. NS. Holy Augustine was baptized (the first bishop of England), surrounded by beautiful monasteries. On the opposite side of the area rises the building Town Hall, In the architecture of which the elements of Versail are clearly traced, and under the walls are located underground Roman Forum Cryptorium Gallery.

Nearby is one of the best museums of the city – Arlaten (Open daily, in April, May and September – from 9.30 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 18.00; from June to August – from 9.30 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 18.00; From October to March – from 9.30 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.00; END – 4 Euro), founded in 1896 by the Nobel laureate Frederick Mistral and dedicated to the culture and history of Provence. The second most important is the artistic assembly Museum Reatat (Open daily; in March-April and October – from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00; From May to September – from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 18.thirty; from November to February – from 13.00 to 17.00; Entrance – 5.5 euros), located in the beautiful monastery of the XV century opposite the Roman term.

Behind the Museum, the reat is the beautiful embankment, according to which he loved walking Van Gogh, watching the game of the paints of the night, the sketches of many of his paintings were written here. But most of the embankment, as well as the once famous her bars and bistro, was destroyed during the bombing of the Second World War. However, famous Cafe de Nuit On Forum Square, as well as picturesque adjustable Bridge Langloua, Depressed by Van Gogh in March 1888, still intact and attract the attention of thousands of tourists. Former Hospital Hotel-Dieu on President-Wilson Street is now turned into an academic and cultural center of the artist – Espace Van Gogh, famous for its shops, gallery and flower beds of the courtyard, plated only by those plants that were on the canvas of the master. Oddly, there is no work in the museums of the city, there is no work Van Gogh, therefore the foundation of his name (Fondation Vincent Van Gogh) exhibits in its walls of modern authors inspired by his canvases.

As in all southern areas of France, Borrida (locals call it to Greek manner – Tavromahai) for residents of Arlya is a real passion. From the end of the spring before the beginning of the autumn there are numerous battles, the most prestigious of which is considered the Arles Cocarde d’OR Cup in early July. And here practice not only ordinary for these places "Soft Corrida", In the course of which it is necessary to break a special cocardium from the bull horns, but also a classic Spanish-style ritual, which usually takes place in a strictly agreed time (late April, beginning of July and September) and only in Arle.