Place du Forum (Forum Square), Arles
Forum Square holds significant historical and artistic importance. As with many Roman cities, the square served as the bustling city center. Originally, it spanned a large portion of Arles, stretching from the present-day Boulevard des Lices to the north and extending towards the river.
One of the main reasons why Forum Square is well-known is due to Vincent van Gogh's famous painting titled "Cafe Terrace at Night." Executed in mid-September 1888, this oil painting depicts a vibrant scene of a caf茅 terrace on Forum Square. Today the cafe is called Cafe Van Gogh and is painted in yellow, just as one would see in the painting. Although the painting is not signed, van Gogh described and mentioned it in his letters on multiple occasions. In addition, a pen drawing of the composition exists in the artist's estate.
Today, visitors can stand in the same spot Van Gogh once stood when painting the charming caf茅 on Forum Square. The square continues to be a hub of activity, offering a lively atmosphere day and night. Tourists can indulge in the vibrant animations, soak in the ambiance of the square, and experience the timeless beauty that attracted van Gogh to capture this scene on canvas.
Forum Square serves as a testament to the historical significance of Arles as a Roman city, and it holds a special place in the art world as the subject of one of van Gogh's most renowned works. The combination of its rich historical background and its association with famous art draws visitors from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Arles.
One of the main reasons why Forum Square is well-known is due to Vincent van Gogh's famous painting titled "Cafe Terrace at Night." Executed in mid-September 1888, this oil painting depicts a vibrant scene of a caf茅 terrace on Forum Square. Today the cafe is called Cafe Van Gogh and is painted in yellow, just as one would see in the painting. Although the painting is not signed, van Gogh described and mentioned it in his letters on multiple occasions. In addition, a pen drawing of the composition exists in the artist's estate.
Today, visitors can stand in the same spot Van Gogh once stood when painting the charming caf茅 on Forum Square. The square continues to be a hub of activity, offering a lively atmosphere day and night. Tourists can indulge in the vibrant animations, soak in the ambiance of the square, and experience the timeless beauty that attracted van Gogh to capture this scene on canvas.
Forum Square serves as a testament to the historical significance of Arles as a Roman city, and it holds a special place in the art world as the subject of one of van Gogh's most renowned works. The combination of its rich historical background and its association with famous art draws visitors from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Arles.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Arles. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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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Place du Forum (Forum Square) on Map
Sight Name: Place du Forum (Forum Square)
Sight Location: Arles, France (See walking tours in Arles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Arles, France (See walking tours in Arles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
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
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