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Church · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Église Saint-Trophime
Former cathedral of Arles, with one of the best-known Romanesque sculpted portals in Provence, and the cloister beside it, with Romanesque and Gothic galleries.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Église Saint-Trophime
Église Saint-Trophime, the former cathedral of Arles, stands on the place de la République, opposite the town hall. It was built from around 1100 over remains of Late Antiquity and is one of the most important examples of Provençal Romanesque architecture. The portal, carved around 1180–1190, depicts the Last Judgment, with Christ surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists, apostles and scenes of heaven and hell.
Inside, the nave is tall and narrow, from the 12th century, with a 15th-century Gothic choir. The church houses Roman and early Christian sarcophagi, tapestries and paintings, including works by the painter Louis Finson, who lived in Arles in the 17th century.
The cloister is next door, with access through the courtyard of the neighboring building. It measures about 28 by 25 metres. The north and east galleries are Romanesque, from the 12th century, with capitals carved with biblical scenes. The south and west galleries are Gothic, from the late 14th century. From the upper terrace you can see the church tower and the roofs.
The church and cloister are part of the Arles ensemble listed by UNESCO. The cloister has an entrance fee and is included in the monuments passes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20–30 minutes in the church and around 45 minutes in the cloister.
Best time
In the morning, when the light hits the portal. The church closes to visitors during mass. The cloister has its own opening hours. Check before you go.
How to get there
On the place de la République, in the centre, about a 10-minute walk from Gare d'Arles and 5 minutes from the arena.
Tip
Take a close look at the portal before going in: the sculptural details are the highlight. In the cloister, go up to the terrace. Opposite, at the Hôtel de Ville, is the entrance to the Cryptoportiques.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Église Saint-Trophime
Is there an entry fee for the church?
Entry to the church is free. The cloister next to it has its own ticket and is included in the Arles monuments passes.
Where is the cloister entrance?
Through the courtyard of the building next to the church, on the place de la République. You do not enter through the interior of the church.
What does the portal depict?
The Last Judgment: Christ in the center, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists, with the apostles below, the saved on one side and the damned on the other.