Cathedrale Saint-Trophime d'Arles (St. Trophime Cathedral), Arles

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Cathedrale Saint-Trophime d'Arles (St. Trophime Cathedral), Arles

Cathedrale Saint-Trophime d'Arles (St. Trophime Cathedral), Arles (must see)

Saint Trophime Cathedral is a significant Roman Catholic church located in the city of Arles. Constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, the cathedral exemplifies the Romanesque architectural style and holds great cultural and historical importance. Its sculptures, particularly the Last Judgement on the church's portal, and the columns in the adjacent cloister, are revered as some of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture.

The site of the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime was originally occupied by a 5th-century basilica dedicated to Saint Stephen. The construction of the current church took place upon the foundations of this earlier basilica. The cathedral's Romanesque nave was built during the 12th century, while a Gothic choir was added in the 15th century. This combination of architectural styles adds depth and richness to the overall structure.

One of the highlights of the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime is the intricate sculptural work that adorns its portal. The Last Judgement, depicted in remarkable detail, is particularly noteworthy. The sculptures are a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of the time and provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and cultural context of the era.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the cloister, which features magnificent columns and further showcases the mastery of Romanesque sculpture. The combination of architectural elements and sculptural embellishments creates a harmonious and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime, along with other medieval and Roman buildings in Arles, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 as part of the Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments group. This prestigious status highlights its contribution to the rich heritage of the region.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Arles. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Cathedrale Saint-Trophime d'Arles (St. Trophime Cathedral) on Map

Sight Name: Cathedrale Saint-Trophime d'Arles (St. Trophime Cathedral)
Sight Location: Arles, France (See walking tours in Arles)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Arles, France

Create Your Own Walk in Arles

Create Your Own Walk in Arles

Creating your own self-guided walk in Arles is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Vincent van Gogh Walking Tour

Vincent van Gogh Walking Tour

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Vincent van Gogh moved to this town in 1888, after having worked in Paris for two years. In the late 19th century,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Arles Introduction Walking Tour

Arles Introduction Walking Tour

In the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque town of Arles. Thanks to its relaxing southern-French atmosphere, Arles is a pleasant place to explore. Here, apart from the distinctive Provencal character and small-town charm, you will find a wealth of historical sites.

The Ligurians settled in the area around 800 BC. Later, the Phoenicians established here a trading port, before it was taken...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles