Obélisque d'Arles travel guide

The Obélisque d'Arles, a striking Roman monument, stands proudly in the Place de la République in Arles. This remarkable structure dates back to the 4th century AD and originally adorned the center of the Roman Circus, an ancient chariot racing venue.

The obelisk was rediscovered in a broken state in 1676 during an excavation and was re-erected in its present location in 1676 by the orders of King Louis XIV. Standing at 20 meters tall, the granite obelisk was a symbol of Roman power and engineering excellence.

Over the centuries, the Obélisque d'Arles has witnessed numerous historical events and transformations, including the French Revolution, during which it narrowly escaped destruction. Today, it remains a central piece of Arles' rich historical tapestry, attracting visitors from around the world.

Its enduring presence offers a tangible connection to the city's illustrious Roman past and provides a majestic backdrop for modern-day Arles. Don't miss the opportunity to admire this ancient marvel on your next visit to Arles.

One of the most striking features of the Obélisque d'Arles is its origin as a Roman monolith, carved from a single block of granite. This monumental obelisk stands at an impressive height of 20 meters, making it a commanding presence in the Place de la République. The granite's polished surface gleams in the sunlight, highlighting its meticulous craftsmanship.

Another unique characteristic is its relocation history—it was originally erected in the Roman Circus of Arles, an ancient chariot racing stadium, before being moved to its current location in the 17th century. The obelisk is also adorned with a bronze sphere at its peak, which was added during its reinstallation in the modern era, blending ancient and more contemporary elements.

Additionally, the obelisk’s positioning aligns perfectly with the symmetrical layout of Place de la République, serving as a focal point that draws the eye and enhances the square's architectural harmony. These distinctive aspects make the Obélisque d'Arles not just an ancient artifact, but a dynamic part of Arles' urban landscape.

Standing at an impressive height of over 19 meters, the Obélisque d'Arles is a striking feature of the Place de la République. Originally erected during the Roman era, this Egyptian-inspired monument was rediscovered in pieces in the Rhône River during the 14th century. Remarkably, it remained submerged for centuries until it was triumphantly reassembled and erected in its current location in 1676. Notably, the obelisk is crafted from red granite, a material not native to the region, indicating the lengths to which the Romans went to import this impressive stone. An intriguing detail is the bronze sphere that once topped the obelisk, now replaced by a more modern decorative element. This monument also aligns with the city's layout, perfectly positioned to be a focal point in the urban design of Arles, emphasizing its historical significance and aesthetic grandeur.

Located in the dynamic Arles, the popular Obélisque d'Arles is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful town of Arles or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through France.

Arles is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Arles offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Arles and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Arles Amphitheatre, Museum of ancient Arles and Provence, The Arles market, Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, and L'espace Van Gogh.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Arles has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Arles, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in France!

The best time to explore Obélisque d'Arles is during the spring and early autumn seasons, specifically from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for outdoor sightseeing without the intense heat of summer. This period also tends to have fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience at the Obélisque and other nearby attractions.

Visiting in the spring offers the added benefit of witnessing the town in bloom, with vibrant flowers and greenery enhancing the charm of Arles. Autumn, on the other hand, provides a backdrop of beautiful fall foliage, adding a unique visual appeal to your visit. Additionally, cultural events such as the Arles Festival of Photography, which usually takes place in July, may extend into early autumn, offering a chance to experience the town's artistic side.

Morning visits are recommended to avoid midday crowds and to capture the best lighting for photographs. Regardless of the season, the best time to explore Obélisque d'Arles is when the weather is mild, and the town's ambiance is vibrant yet serene, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.

Obélisque d'Arles is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Arles, France. If you're flying in, Marseille Provence Airport is approximately 33.8 miles (54.3 km) away from Arles. From there, you can easily reach Obélisque d'Arles by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Arles, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Obélisque d'Arles, which is located 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Obélisque d'Arles, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Pl. De la République, 13200 Arles, France.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Obélisque d'Arles!

With a rental car, discovering the popular Obélisque d'Arles and France's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 2 reputable rental car companies near Marseille Provence Airport and the town of Arles, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in France cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Arles and beyond.

Conveniently explore Obélisque d'Arles and plenty more captivating attractions in Arles by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the town. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Obélisque d'Arles and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Arles has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Obélisque d'Arles below.

Aside from Obélisque d'Arles, Arles is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the town offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Arles, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Arles Amphitheatre, Museum of ancient Arles and Provence, and The Arles market.

Arles Amphitheatre is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in Arles, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the town. The exact address of Arles Amphitheatre is 1 Rdpt des Arènes, 13200 Arles, France.

Another appreciated attraction in Arles is Museum of ancient Arles and Provence. Like Arles Amphitheatre, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the town. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 2,800 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this museum is Presqu'île du Cirque Romain, 13200 Arles, France.

The Arles market is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Arles. This establishment and top attraction in Arles has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,200 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Bd des Lices, 13200 Arles, France.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the town of Arles below.