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Alyscamps

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description Alyscamps Overview

Alyscamps is a large ancient Roman necropolis located just outside the historic city center of Arles, France. Originally serving as the main burial ground for the Roman settlement of Arelate, the site was utilized for about 1,500 years through the early Middle Ages. It is distinguished by its tree-lined avenue of stone sarcophagi and the ruins of early Christian churches, including the Church of St. Honoratus.

The necropolis is inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage list for the Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles.

help Alyscamps FAQ

What famous painters featured the Alyscamps necropolis in their artwork?

Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh famously painted the Alyscamps in 1888 during their time together in Arles, France. Their vibrant oil paintings captured the autumn scenery of the ancient Roman necropolis's tree-lined paths.

What does the name "Alyscamps" mean?

The name "Alyscamps" is a corruption of the Latin phrase "Elisii Campi," which translates to the Elysian Fields. In Greek and Roman mythology, the Elysian Fields were the final resting place of the heroic and the virtuous after death.

Is the Alyscamps a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, the Alyscamps was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 as part of the "Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles." This designation protects its centuries-old history as a major Roman, and later Christian, burial ground.

Can you still walk through the Alyscamps necropolis today?

Visitors can freely walk down the famous tree-lined allée of the Alyscamps in Arles, which is lined with hundreds of ancient stone sarcophagi. While the most pristine sarcophagi were moved to the nearby Church of St. Honoratus or local museums, the outdoor pathway remains highly atmospheric.

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