Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Protestant temple of Arles, nicknamed La Rotonde, was originally built in 1790 under the name Cercle de la Rotonde by a club of Arles nobles. Its circular room, with a low dome decorated with ionic columns, is inspired by the neoclassicism of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. Destined to serve as a seat for their association, the building was partially destroyed in 1792 during revolutionary unrest, when Marseilles, allied with Arlesian Monnaiders, ransacked its interior on the order of the Convention.

Sold at auction in 1806, the building became a hall of performances (bals, concerts) and public meetings under private ownership. In 1860, an international subscription allowed the Protestant community of Arles to acquire it as a temple. Repurchased in 1923 by the National Union of Evangelical ACRs, it now depends on the United Protestant Church of France since 2013. Ranked a historic monument in 1945, it combines revolutionary heritage and cult vocation.

Architecturally, the Rotonde is distinguished by its central rotunda with a flat vault, surrounded by living rooms upstairs. Its style, marked by canned columns and a prominent cornice, reflects the influence of Ledoux. Beyond the Dominican offices, the temple hosts cultural events and serves as a place of revolutionary memory during Heritage Days. Its historic address, 9 rue de la Rotonde, coexists with an administrative location at 30 boulevard des Lices.

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