For Van Gogh and ancient Roman ruins visit Arles on the Cote d’Azur
Arles lies on the Camargue Delta in the south of France, just downriver from where the mighty Rhone splits into two before it rushes into the Mediterranean Sea.
Arles was an important city to the Romans during their time of occupation. Evidence of the city’s historical importance is everywhere, as tourists and scholars flock to Arles to see its incredible ruined buildings, some of which were erected over 2,000 years ago.
The oldest of the Roman ruins in Arles is the theatre, which was built during the time when Augustus Caesar was Emperor of Rome. Not much remains of the original building but there is still enough to marvel at the ancient construction.
One of the most visited sites in Arles is the 20,000-capacity amphitheatre, which was built at the end of the 1st century AD. The ruins of the amphitheatre in Arles are darkly impressive and remain a great statement of Roman power and ingenuity. As you investigate its architecture, you may well ponder gladiators, beasts, triumph and death.
Several miles outside Arles lies the Barbegal aqueduct and mill, described as the “greatest known concentration of mechanical power in the ancient world.” The ruins are majestic and foreboding. In its heyday, the mill could produce enough flour to feed 6,000 people at any one time.
Long after the Romans had given up on the idea of occupying another country, a painter called Van Gogh strolled into the city of Arles. Van Gogh stayed in Arles for a little over a year and during his relatively short stay, he’d paint and draw some 300 pieces of work, cut off his ear and go down in history as something of a legend!
The people of Arles are justifiably proud that a somewhat crazy but brilliant Dutchman came to live and paint some of his best works in their city. There are several Van Gogh tours in Arles. The Van Gogh Foundation in the city typically has eight or so of the artist’s paintings on display.
For travellers with a penchant for Roman architecture and history and who are a fan of the incredible Van Gogh, head to the beautiful city of Arles on the mighty Rhone River.