Arles Obelisk — Attraction in Arles

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...

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...

L'Obélisque d'Arles è uno dei monumenti più affascinanti e ricchi di mistero della città francese. Situato al centro di Place de la République, questo obelisco, privo di epigrafi e proveniente dall'Asia Minore, risale al IV secolo e, originariamente, si trovava nel circo romano della città. Col passare dei secoli fu abbandonato, probabilmente abbattuto, e si spezzò in due parti. Si cominciò a pensare alla sua destinazione alla fine del XIV secolo ma l'obelisco trovò una collocazione definitiva solo nel 1676, quando fu ricostruito e spostato al centro dell'attuale piazza, posto su un basamento con una fontana. Si trova ancora nella stessa posizione, contornato dal municipio e dalle chiese di Sant'Anna e di...