Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The cloister Saint-Trophime, adjacent to the ancient cathedral of Arles, is distinguished by its atypical location, not adjacent to the nave or the transept, but connected to the choir by a staircase of 25 steps. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it has a rectangular shape (28 m x 25 m), comparable to the provençal cloisters of Thoronet or Montmajour. Its construction spans two centuries: the north and east galleries (Romanesque style) begin around 1150, while the west and south galleries (Gothic style) finish under the episcopate of Jean de Rochechouart (1390–198). This temporal shift explains the stylistic duality of the monument, combining volume balance and sculptural richness.

The northern gallery, dedicated to the resurrection of Christ and to the patron saints of Arles (Trophime, Peter, John, Stephen), houses exceptional Romanesque sculptures, such as the tomb of Christ or the pilgrims of Emmaus. The gallery is centered on the Passion, presenting rare scenes such as the flogging or kiss of Judas. The Gothic galleries (south and west) illustrate legendary episodes, such as the miracle of St.Trophim saving convicts, or various themes (holy Martha, crowning the Virgin).

Ranked as a historic monument in 1846 and registered with UNESCO in 1981, the cloister also houses six 17th century tapestries in its capitular hall, representing scenes from the delivered Jerusalem. These works, woven in Felletin and Aubusson, combine cross tales and mannerist elegance. The site thus embodies a dialogue between sacred architecture, Provencal Romanesque art and medieval textual heritage.

The carved pillars, such as that of Saint Trophimus surrounded by St Peter and St John, or the narrative bas-reliefs (Ascension, the stoning of Stephen), bear witness to a rare technical and symbolic mastery. The South Gallery, with its iconographic program inspired by a 13th century poem, celebrates the local cult of St.Trophime, while the West Gallery juxtaposes disparate themes, perhaps reflecting late additions. The whole, despite its heterogeneity, forms a coherent whole, marked by piety and exceptional craftsmanship.

The cloister is also marked by its architectural details: double to the novels on square pillars, Gothic vaults on dogive crosses, or bentier supported by an atlante. These elements, combined with a rich decoration (acanthes, claws, biblical scenes), make it a medieval sacred art model. Its early ranking (1846) underlines its heritage importance, reinforced by its integration into the network of Romanesque monuments of Arles recognized by UNESCO.

Finally, exposed tapestries, such as that of the birth of Mary (Aubusson) or the fighting of Tancrède (Felletin), add a narrative and decorative dimension to the site. Their presence recalls the role of the cloister as a place of memory and transmission, where local history, Christian faith and artisanal know-how intersect. This monument, both a place of prayer and an art gallery, embodies the climax of Provencal Romanesque art and its evolution towards Gothicism.

Future

It has been classified as historical monuments since 1846. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

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