Palais de l’Archevêché

A cathedral complex was undoubtedly established in the fourth century on the hill of Hauture. When it was rebuilt in the twelfth century in Arles it brought together the cathedral of Saint Trophime, a cloister, canonical buildings required for the communal life of the canons, and an archbishop’s palace. The entrance porch of the palace stands to this day. A grand staircase, the archbishops’ study, and the ceiling of the former bishop’s bathroom also remain. Decorated with wall paintings, wood panelling and mouldings, and stucco, they are listed as French historic monuments. These features, added to the simple, imposing order of the eighteenth-century façade (also listed), provide a fine example of the classical architecture found in Arles. The Place de la République offers the best view of the palace.