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Origin and history

The ramparts of Arles are the remains of the walls of the ancient Roman castrum of Arelate, founded under Emperor Augustus at the end of the first century. These fortifications, both defensive and symbolic, marked the creation of the Roman colony. Their initial route, partially preserved, was flanked by towers like that of the Mourgues, and included a monumental door, the Auguste gate, connected to via Aurelia. The materials used, including re-used sculpted blocks, reveal three distinct phases of construction: small regular apparatus, large cutting stone apparatus, and reuse of funeral monuments.

In the Middle Ages, the ramparts were reshaped to adapt to defensive needs, partly taking over the Roman route. In the 13th century, the enclosure extended for about 2,800 metres, incorporating elements such as the Cavalry Gate. The Roman remains, still visible between the Augustus Gate and the Mourgues Tower, contrast with medieval and modern sections. These ramparts, protected from 1886 and classified at UNESCO in 1981, illustrate the urban evolution of Arles, of the Romans in the 16th century.

The ramparts were the subject of numerous protections in respect of historical monuments: classification in 1886 for Roman remains, in 1922 for the section between the former Hôtel des Postes and the Archdiocese, and inscription in 1927 for the remains of the sixteenth century near the Rhone. Their preservation bears witness to their central role in the history of Arles, from the Roman foundation to the modern era and medieval adaptations. Today, they are a key element of Arlesian heritage, accessible to the public and integrated into the urban landscape.

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