The Alyscamps Arles: A great roman necropolis
The Alyscamps is a vast Roman necropolis, one of the most famous in the ancient world, located outside the city of Arles. The name "Alyscamps" is a corruption of the Latin Elisii Campi (that is, Champs-Élysées or Elysian Fields). It was particularly renowned in the Middle Ages and is mentioned by the writer Ariosto in Orlando Furioso as well as by Dante in The Inferno.
A Roman funerary tradition
Roman cities traditionally forbade burials within their walls. Thus, roads outside the cities were often lined with tombs and mausoleums, as exemplified by the Via Appia near Rome. The Alyscamps served as Arles' main cemetery for nearly 1,500 years. Located at the end of the Aurelian Way leading to the city gates, the necropolis was a burial site for wealthy citizens. Their memorials ranged from simple sarcophagi to elaborate monuments.
A renowned christian site
After the city was Christianized in the 4th century, The Alyscamps continued to be used. Saint Genesius, a Roman official beheaded in 303 for refusing to persecute Christians, was buried there, rapidly becoming the focus of a cult. Shortly after, Saint Trophimus, considered the first bishop of Arles, was also buried there. According to legend, Christ himself attended the ceremony, leaving the imprint of his knee on a sarcophagus lid.
The necropolis became a highly sought-after burial site. By the 4th century, it already contained several thousand tombs, requiring sarcophagi to be stacked three layers deep. The Alyscamps were so popular that bodies were transported from all over Europe to be buried there, creating a lucrative trade for Rhône boatmen specializing in coffin transport to Arles.
Decline and looting
The Alyscamps was used until the Middle Ages, but its prestige declined in 1152 when the relics of Saint Trophimus were transferred to Arles Cathedral. During the Renaissance, the necropolis was systematically looted: city councilors gifted sarcophagi to distinguished visitors, while local residents reused funerary stones as building materials. In the 19th century, the site was further damaged by the construction of a railway and a canal, both of which cut across it.
An artistic inspiration
In October 1888, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin chose The Alyscamps as the first location for their artistic expeditions. They painted side by side, capturing the unique atmosphere of this historic site.
Today
The Alyscamps has since been partially restored and is now an open-air museum, allowing visitors to explore this exceptional historical site, a testament to 1,500 years of funerary and religious practices.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Alyscamps is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the city of Arles' Roman and Romanesque monuments. This historically rich site is a precious testament to funerary practices and spirituality through the ages.
Visiting and tickets for the the Alyscamps Arles
The Necropolis of The Alyscamps is open to visitors, offering a journey through Arles' ancient and medieval past. A stroll among the sarcophagi and ruins reveals the evolution of funerary practices and the cultural and religious significance of this exceptional place.
This timeless site is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and the heritage of Arles.
Opening hours of the Necropolis of the Alyscamps
- March 1 to April 30: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- May 1 to September 30: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on May 1).
- October 1 to October 31: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- November 2 to March 1: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on January 1 and December 25).
- Last entry: 4:00 PM.
Address
La Nécropole des Alyscamps. Avenue des Alyscamps, 13200 Arles, France.