Saint-Trophime Cathedral

Introducing the Cathedral of Saint-Trophime. The Christian community of Arles was one of the oldest in Gaul. We know for certain that there was a bishop here as early as 254 AD. The cathedral and its cloister are considered the crown jewels of Romanesque art in Provence. Today, it’s a parish church, but it used to be the seat of an archbishopric until the French Revolution. Its most impressive feature is undoubtedly its carved portal. If you have an eye for detail, you’re in for a treat. The tympanum is striking. In the center, you see Jesus, with his hand raised and the Bible in his lap. He is surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists: a winged lion for Mark, an angel for Matthew, an eagle for John and a winged bull for Luke. Below them, you’ll see the 12 apostles, and then a long line of men on either side. On the left, you’ll see the procession of the blessed, waiting to enter paradise, led by an angel with outstretched wings. He’s presenting a child to the three patriarchs, symbolizing the soul of the righteous. On the right, the Archangel Michael stands guard, refusing entry to the damned souls who are being sent back to hell. Beneath the frieze, the large statues depict important saints of the Church, along with the two patron saints of Arles: Saint Stephen and Saint Trophime. Once you’ve admired the intricate carvings of the portal, take a peek inside! The vaulting is as high as that of early Gothic cathedrals. You’ll also find paintings by Louis Finson, a student of Caravaggio, as well as a remarkable sculpture showing 10 figures surrounding Christ in his shroud. There are even three Paleochristian sarcophagi dating from the 4th century. Prosper Mérimée classified the cathedral as a historical monument in 1840. And he was right, for it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also enter the courtyard of the bishop’s palace to get a better view of the rest of the building. Entrance to the church and courtyard is free of charge, but if you wish to enter the cloister, which by the way is a real gem, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee.