At the very heart of the city, Place de la République has been progressively redeveloped through a series of architectural and urban projects.
It lies to the south of the ancient Roman forum. In the Middle Ages, it was reduced to a narrow square between the churches of Saint-Trophime and Sainte-Anne. Its current surface area was then occupied by several residential blocks.
It was not until the construction of the town hall in the 17th century that the square underwent major changes.
Over time, it was enriched by monuments of various styles and functions, to finally present an original ensemble, punctuated by the order of its many facades, giving it the appearance of an Italian-style square.
Its vast surface area is ideal for hosting major traditional events, such as the triennial election of the "Queen of Arles".
The Place de la République is distinguished by the great architectural diversity of its monuments, making it a veritable anthology of art history.
Antiquity takes pride of place here, with the obelisk from the Roman circus. The façade of Saint-Trophime church, built in the 12th century, features a magnificent historiated portal for the coronation of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1178.
The clock tower, with its antique decor, is characteristic of the refined architecture of the Provencal Renaissance. The town's councillors decided to keep it when building the town hall, itself a triumph of the classical style.
Built between 1614 and 1630, the nave of the Church of Sainte-Anne shows clear traces of Southern Gothic architecture. The 17th century also saw the redesign of the archbishop's palace, although its current façade was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century.
Finally, the former post office, built at the end of the 19th century, sums up the architectural eclecticism of the period as well as that of the square.
It was not until the construction of the town hall in the 17th century that the square underwent major changes.
Over time, it was enriched by monuments of various styles and functions, to finally present an original ensemble, punctuated by the order of its many facades, giving it the appearance of an Italian-style square.
Its vast surface area is ideal for hosting major traditional events, such as the triennial election of the "Queen of Arles".
The Place de la République is distinguished by the great architectural diversity of its monuments, making it a veritable anthology of art history.
Antiquity takes pride of place here, with the obelisk from the Roman circus. The façade of Saint-Trophime church, built in the 12th century, features a magnificent historiated portal for the coronation of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1178.
The clock tower, with its antique decor, is characteristic of the refined architecture of the Provencal Renaissance. The town's councillors decided to keep it when building the town hall, itself a triumph of the classical style.
Built between 1614 and 1630, the nave of the Church of Sainte-Anne shows clear traces of Southern Gothic architecture. The 17th century also saw the redesign of the archbishop's palace, although its current façade was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century.
Finally, the former post office, built at the end of the 19th century, sums up the architectural eclecticism of the period as well as that of the square.
Location
Location
- www.patrimoine.ville-arles.fr
