Place de la République (Republic Square)

Welcome to the Place de la République, a must-see during your visit to Arles. This little Italianate-style square crams together diverse cultural and architectural influences. Here, you’ll find a little bit of everything. There’s the 12th-century Saint-Trophime cathedral, a fine example of Romanesque art, and, of course, the ancient obelisk right at the center, a relic of the Roman circus. You’ll also see the 17th-century town hall, a building of classical architecture. The more refined clock tower takes us back to the Provençal Renaissance, while the church of Saint-Anne adds a touch of Southern Gothic. And to top it all off, there’s the old post office, built in the late 19th century. Talk about eclecticism! I told you, it’s a mishmash of styles, but somehow it works. From this square, you can also access the cryptoporticus. The entrance is in the town hall opposite you. This name might sound like gibberish to you, but if you were a Roman, it would have rolled right off the tongue! It’s a vaulted gallery that serves as the foundation for the ancient Forum, a rather important landmark. Quite the sight! It’s a true testament to the engineering brilliance of the Romans. If this is your cup of tea, gear up for a subterranean journey into the past.