Eglise Sainte-Anne d'Arles (Arles St. Anne Church), Arles
The Arles Saint Anne Church or Notre-Dame-la-Principale, holds a significant place in the history of Arles. It was the first Roman Catholic parish in downtown Arles and was a gathering place for the city's affluent families. Although its primary function has changed over the years, it remains an important historical monument.
The church's origins can be traced back to its first reconstruction in 1175. However, by the time of the French Revolution, the church was abandoned and later repurposed as a lapidary museum for the city's collection of ancient stones and artifacts. Due to its cultural and architectural significance, it was classified as a historical monument in 1875.
Under the patronage of Bishop Gaspard du Laurens, the Archbishop of Arles, the church underwent a reconstruction project in the early 17th century. The rebuilding was completed around 1630, and the church was consecrated on the feast day of Saint Anne, thus acquiring its name. It housed valuable relics of Saint Anne, including a vermeil bust. The church was entrusted to the Oratorians, who served the parish until the Revolution.
Following the Revolution, Saint Anne Church lost its status as the main parish of the city center to Saint Trophime Church. In 1805, an imperial decree transferred ownership of the church to the municipality. It was then transformed into a lapidary museum in 1826, exhibiting ancient pagan art and artifacts. The museum remained in operation until 1996 when the collections were transferred to the Departmental Museum of Ancient Art.
Since then, Arles Saint Anne Church has been repurposed as a venue for temporary exhibitions. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and spacious interior make it an ideal space to showcase various artistic and cultural displays. Visitors can admire the church's original features while immersing themselves in the captivating exhibitions held within its walls.
The church's origins can be traced back to its first reconstruction in 1175. However, by the time of the French Revolution, the church was abandoned and later repurposed as a lapidary museum for the city's collection of ancient stones and artifacts. Due to its cultural and architectural significance, it was classified as a historical monument in 1875.
Under the patronage of Bishop Gaspard du Laurens, the Archbishop of Arles, the church underwent a reconstruction project in the early 17th century. The rebuilding was completed around 1630, and the church was consecrated on the feast day of Saint Anne, thus acquiring its name. It housed valuable relics of Saint Anne, including a vermeil bust. The church was entrusted to the Oratorians, who served the parish until the Revolution.
Following the Revolution, Saint Anne Church lost its status as the main parish of the city center to Saint Trophime Church. In 1805, an imperial decree transferred ownership of the church to the municipality. It was then transformed into a lapidary museum in 1826, exhibiting ancient pagan art and artifacts. The museum remained in operation until 1996 when the collections were transferred to the Departmental Museum of Ancient Art.
Since then, Arles Saint Anne Church has been repurposed as a venue for temporary exhibitions. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and spacious interior make it an ideal space to showcase various artistic and cultural displays. Visitors can admire the church's original features while immersing themselves in the captivating exhibitions held within its walls.
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.
Eglise Sainte-Anne d'Arles (Arles St. Anne Church) on Map
Sight Name: Eglise Sainte-Anne d'Arles (Arles St. Anne Church)
Sight Location: Arles, France (See walking tours in Arles)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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.
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
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
Vincent van Gogh Walking Tour
"There's no place quite like it for painters. It's so beautiful and peaceful..." These words, reportedly attributed to Vincent van Gogh, emphasize the beauty and exceptional qualities of Arles with which the renowned Dutch painter had a special connection.
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
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