Place de la République Obelisk
A majestic 4th-century Roman obelisk standing proudly in Arles' main square, a timeless symbol of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Place de la République Obelisk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 4th-century Roman obelisk standing proudly in Arles' main square, a timeless symbol of history.
"Beautiful public square with Arles obelisk in the center."
☕️ Enjoy a coffee nearby
Sip coffee at a cafe on the square, but consider venturing slightly off the main drag for better value.
🏛️ Explore the Roman Circus
Imagine chariot races where the obelisk once stood; remnants of the circus are nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arles Obelisk
Place de la République
A towering 4th-century Roman obelisk, a silent witness to centuries of history in the heart of Arles.
Place de la République
City Center
The vibrant main square surrounding the obelisk, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the Provençal atmosphere.
Arles Cathedral (Saint-Trophime)
Adjacent to Place de la République
A stunning Romanesque church with intricate carvings, a must-see next to the obelisk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Obelisk's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕️ Enjoy a coffee nearby
Sip coffee at a cafe on the square, but consider venturing slightly off the main drag for better value.
🏛️ Explore the Roman Circus
Imagine chariot races where the obelisk once stood; remnants of the circus are nearby.
📸 Capture the architecture
The obelisk, cathedral, and town hall offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Wander the old town
The obelisk is a central point to begin exploring Arles' historic streets.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕️ Enjoy a coffee nearby
Sip coffee at a cafe on the square, but consider venturing slightly off the main drag for better value.
🏛️ Explore the Roman Circus
Imagine chariot races where the obelisk once stood; remnants of the circus are nearby.
📸 Capture the architecture
The obelisk, cathedral, and town hall offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Wander the old town
The obelisk is a central point to begin exploring Arles' historic streets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Arles Obelisk as a striking and historic centerpiece of the vibrant Place de la République. Its ancient grandeur and central location are highlighted as major draws, offering a glimpse into the city's Roman past. While the square itself is beautiful, some suggest exploring beyond the immediate cafes for better dining value.
"The Arles Obelisk: A Timeless Monument in the Heart of the City
Standing proudly at the center of Arles’ Place de la République, the Arles Obelisk is a fascinating symbol of the city’s long and colorful history. This impressive Roman monument, carved from a single piece of granite, originally dates back to the 4th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Constantine.
Originally, the obelisk stood at the center of the Roman circus, where thrilling chariot races took place. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it toppled over and was lost for centuries — quite literally buried under the sands of time. It wasn’t until the 14th century that the obelisk was rediscovered, and only in the 17th century was it re-erected in its current spot, proudly overlooking the city’s main square.
At over 15 meters tall (about 50 feet), the obelisk dominates the Place de la République with a quiet, ancient dignity. It stands atop a fountain added later during the 17th-century reconstruction, blending Roman grandeur with a touch of Baroque elegance.
Fun facts:
• The obelisk actually has no inscriptions — unlike Egyptian obelisks, it is completely bare. Historians still aren’t sure why!
• Moving and raising the obelisk in the 17th century was a major event: it took months of planning and huge crowds came to watch it being slowly lifted into place using wooden scaffolding, ropes, and pure human strength.
• If you look closely, you can sometimes spot flocks of pigeons treating the obelisk like their personal viewing platform — the true rulers of the square!
Today, the Arles Obelisk continues to be a striking centerpiece of the city — a perfect blend of Roman past and Provençal charm. Whether you’re strolling through Arles or enjoying a coffee nearby, it’s impossible not to be impressed by this ancient giant standing so gracefully among the modern life of the city."
Keusen Kay
"Beautiful scenery! I even saw a Wedding take place and the cathedral is beautiful. I got a Tipp from a Tour guide that you shouldn't eat in the big Restaurants nearby because they are expensive and sometimes worse than the ones a little further away. So that's maybe useful. And don't forget to go see the Colosseum. Even if there isn't any event it is interesting to see."
Sämi
"Beautiful public square with Arles obelisk in the center."
Matt Dietrich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place de la République is centrally located in Arles, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the old town. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from the Arles train station. Local buses also serve the area.
Yes, there are several parking lots and street parking options available around the Place de la République. However, they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider using a parking garage like 'Parking Arles Centre' for convenience.
Absolutely. Several local bus lines stop near Place de la République, serving as a convenient hub for exploring Arles. Check the local transport schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Place de la République and the Arles Obelisk are public spaces and are free to visit. You can admire the obelisk and enjoy the atmosphere of the square at any time.
Place de la République is a public square and is accessible 24/7. However, surrounding shops and cafes will have their own operating hours.
There are no tickets required to see the Arles Obelisk. It is a permanent outdoor monument in the main square.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The obelisk is surrounded by the beautiful Place de la République, which features the impressive Arles Town Hall and the stunning Saint-Trophime Cathedral. It's a great spot to people-watch and soak in the city's ambiance.
Place de la République is a largely flat, paved public square, making it generally accessible. The obelisk itself is a monument, but the surrounding area is navigable for most visitors.
Yes, guided tours of Arles often include a stop at Place de la République and the Obelisk, providing historical context. You can also find information from local tourist offices about self-guided walking tours.
For the best shots, try visiting during the 'golden hour' in the early morning or late afternoon for beautiful lighting. Experiment with different angles to capture the obelisk with the surrounding architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding Place de la République. For a more authentic and potentially less expensive experience, consider exploring the side streets just off the main square.
Arles offers a growing number of dining options that cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan choices. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff when dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are early morning and late afternoon when the light is softer and creates a beautiful glow. This also helps avoid harsh midday shadows and larger crowds.
Capture the obelisk with the Saint-Trophime Cathedral or the Town Hall in the background for iconic shots. Don't forget to look for interesting details on the surrounding buildings and the fountain.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public squares and historical areas in France. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone in Arles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a stop on a broader exploration of Arles' Roman heritage, such as visiting the nearby Roman Amphitheatre (Arles Colosseum). Pack some snacks and drinks, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square. The adjacent Saint-Trophime Cathedral also offers impressive architecture that can be fascinating for older children.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pair your visit with explorations of other Roman sites in Arles, such as the Amphitheatre and the Alyscamps necropolis, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's Roman legacy. The lack of inscriptions on the obelisk itself provides an intriguing historical puzzle to ponder.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with wide-angle shots to encompass the entire square and its architectural grandeur, or use a telephoto lens to focus on the obelisk's details and textures. Look for reflections in puddles after rain or the silhouettes of people against the monument for more artistic shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Origins of the Arles Obelisk
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the obelisk was toppled and lay buried for centuries, lost to time and the elements. Its rediscovery in the 14th century sparked immense interest, but it wasn't until the 17th century that a monumental effort was undertaken to re-erect it in its current prominent location in the Place de la République. This process was a feat of engineering and human endeavor, drawing large crowds who marveled at the slow, careful lifting of the massive stone using wooden scaffolding and ropes.
Unlike many Egyptian obelisks, the Arles Obelisk is notably bare, lacking inscriptions. Historians continue to debate the reasons behind this unique characteristic, adding another layer of mystery to this ancient monument. Today, it stands as a silent, majestic guardian of Arles, bridging the gap between its Roman past and its vibrant Provençal present.
Experiencing Place de la République
Visitors often describe the square as a perfect spot to soak in the Provençal atmosphere. It's an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely coffee at one of the many cafes, watch the world go by, and observe daily life in Arles. The presence of the ancient obelisk, juxtaposed with the lively modern square, offers a unique visual experience.
During your visit, take time to appreciate the details of the surrounding buildings and the fountain that the obelisk stands upon. The square is also a popular venue for events and markets, adding to its dynamic character. Whether you're passing through or staying a while, Place de la République offers a quintessential Arles experience.
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