Église des Dominicains d'Arles, Gothic church in Arles, France.
Église des Dominicains d'Arles is a Gothic church in Arles featuring a single nave covered by cross-ribbed vaults that span five bays. Lateral chapels form side aisles without creating passages between them.
The Dominican order established itself in Arles from 1231 onward and built this church between 1448 and 1499. Construction became necessary after their original convent was destroyed by Trastamare forces.
The facade displays a hexagonal stair tower and two separate entrances, with the north door meant for worshippers and the south door reserved for Dominican friars. This arrangement reflected the separation between public worship and the life of the religious community.
The church is located at Place Albin Peyron and offers free access during specific events like the Photography Festival and Heritage Days. Check the opening times before planning a visit as access varies throughout the year.
Excavations in 1985 revealed that the nave pillars rest on an ancient Roman wall constructed with large cut stones as foundations. This discovery shows how this Gothic structure was built atop remains of an even earlier civilization.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
