ÉGLISE ET CLOÎTRE SAINT-TROPHIME
Cathedral erected in several phases in Arles, with the characteristic plan of the buildings of Provence
The cathedral of Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is the most remarkable Romanesque ensemble in Provence. The original Carolingian church was transformed from top to bottom between 1078 and 1152. Built in several phases since the early Christian era, the cathedral of Saint-Trophime, as we see it today, dates from the 12th century. The monument has the characteristic plan of the buildings of Provence: a high nave of five bays, vaulted in broken barrel and flanked by narrow collateral; a very short transept whose crossing is surmounted by a dome and supports the bell tower. In addition to countless architectural treasures, the portal has a statuary - dedicated to the Last Judgement - that is simply admirable in its finesse. Adjacent to this exceptional monument is another jewel: the cloister. Its construction completed the rebuilding of the cathedral complex, which began at the very end of the 11th century. From the 12th century onwards, the space to the south of the cathedral was occupied by two large complexes: the bishop's palace, and the claustrum, a space reserved for the community of canons. The two Romanesque galleries (to the north and east) are decorated with sculptures of exceptional quality. The last two galleries (to the south and west), vaulted with ribbed ceilings, are in the Gothic style and were only built around 1370-1380. The cloister was classified as a Historic Monument in 1846. A visit not to be missed.
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