The Obelisk of Arles (Obélisque d'Arles in French) is a 4th-century Roman obelisk, prominently displayed at the center of the Place de la République, in front of the Arles Town Hall. Made of red granite from Asia Minor, the obelisk stands approximately 20 meters tall, including its pedestal, and is notably free of inscriptions.
Originally erected under the Roman Emperor Constantine II, it was placed at the center of the spina of the Roman circus in Arles. After the circus was abandoned in the 6th century, the obelisk fell and broke into two parts. Rediscovered in 1389, it was re-erected in its current location on March 26, 1676, atop a pedestal designed by the Arlesian architect Jacques Peytret.
In the 19th century, a fountain and bronze sculptures by Antoine Laurent Dantan were added to its base, enhancing its grandeur.
The obelisk was completely restored once again in 2024.
Obelisk of Arles : UNESCO World Heritage Site
The obelisk is part of the 1981 UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments, and it was included in the 1840 inventory of historic sites in France, cementing its significance as a symbol of Arles’ rich Roman heritage.
Where is the Obelisk of Arles
Address : Place de la République
Zip code : 13200
City : Arles France
The Obelisk of Arles on Google maps