Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles visitor guide

Visit Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles, France

The Cryptoporticoes are a subterranean structure in Arles that once supported the Roman forum and buildings above. They are now listed as a historic monument and classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Explore the Roman Cryptoportiques in Arles

France This Way review: the Roman Cryptoportiques of Arles are not the most visited historic destination in the town, but they are an interesting site that doesn't take long to visit

In important Roman towns, the forum was the centre of the town, a meeting place for all the inhabitants. The forum was often surrounded by sheltered and open galleries, called porticoes. These substantial buildings required substantial foundations - hence the name, cryptoporticus.

In Arles, the cryptoporticus were constructed around 25-10 BC, during the reign of the Emperor Augustus, around a forum that covered around 3400 square meters. Around the edges of the forum many of the important buildings of the town were situated, including the senate (government) building and religious edifices. Numerous shops and a large market place were also found here.

The entrance to the cryptoporticus is just inside the entrance of Arles town hall.

The gallery of the cryptoporticus is eight meters wide, divided into two along its length by stone arches, and forms a "U" shape, with the sides 90 meters long and the shorter side 60 meters long.

During your visit you will explore much of this crypt. At various places in the cryptoporticus you will also see remnants of ancient columns, but otherwise there is not a great deal to see - and it is quite dark inside. It is always nice and cool inside, even when the summer heat is preventing you exploring the more famous monuments in Arles.

The effective lighting produces interesting patterns within the slightly eerie corridors of the cryptoporticus.

The entrance charge to the Cryptoportiques is often included if you buy a combined ticket to visit the historic monuments of Arles. Otherwise a ticket is available separately, that only costs a few euros - but you may think that you are not seeing a lot for your money - your visit will only take about 15-20 minutes. Artworks are sometimes exhibited in these vaulted passageways.

Attractions nearby

There are many sites of interest in Arles, including several important Roman monuments, and more recent additions such as the Luma Parc Arts centre. See the Arles guide for details.

See more Ancient Monuments in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.

To make travel arrangements to visit Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles see HERE

Find Arles Hotels and Holiday Rentals

Reserve excursions near Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles

Photos of Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles

Click any picture to start the gallery

+9

See complete Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles Photo Gallery

Map of Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles and places nearby

Places to visit near Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles

Cloister Saint-Trophime in Arles

The cloister of the cathedral of Saint Trophime in Arles is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture of the 12th century

Cloister Saint-Trophime in Arles guide

Church Saint-Trophime in Arles

The Church Saint-Trophime is a 12th century church in the romanesque style

Church Saint-Trophime in Arles guide

Roman Arles

The town of Arles contains numerous Roman monuments including the famous amphitheatre

Roman Arles guide

Arles

The roman amphitheatre and the traditional pastel-painted houses in the historic centre make Arles a very pleasant town to explore

Arles guide

Fondation Vincent Van Gogh

The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is a contemporary art gallery in Arles dedicated to the legacy of Van Gogh.

Fondation Vincent Van Gogh guide

Antique Theatre of Arles

The Antique Theatre in Arles is an imposing theatre constructed in the Roman era

Antique Theatre of Arles guide

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhone

The French version of this page is at Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles (Francais)