Obélisque d'Arles

Arles Obelisk Native name: French: Obélisque d'Arles
The Arles Obelisk in front of the Arles town hall (right)
Location:	Place de la République 13200 Arles, France
Coordinates:	43°40′35″N 4°37′39″E / 43.67636°N 4.627594°E / 43.67636; 4.627594Coordinates: 43°40′35″N 4°37′39″E / 43.67636°N 4.627594°E / 43.67636; 4.627594
Height:	15.26 metres (50.1 ft) With pedestal: 19.81 metres (65.0 ft)
Built:	Originally constructed in the 4th century Reconstructed March 26, 1676
Architect:	Jacques Peytret
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type:	Cultural
Criteria:	ii, iv
Designated:	1981 (5th session)
Part of:	Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
Reference #:	164
Region:	Europe and North America
Monument historique
Official name: Obélisque antique
Designated:	1840[1]
Reference #:	PA00081180
Location of Arles Obelisk in France

The Obélisque d'Arles ("Arles Obelisk") is a 4th century Roman obelisk, erected in the center of the Place de la République, in front of the town hall of Arles, France.

Description

The obelisk is made of red granite from Asia Minor^[2]. It does not feature any inscription. Its height together with its pedestal is approximately 20 m.

History

Fountain and sculptures by Antoine Laurent Dantan.

The obelisk was first erected under the Roman emperor Constantine II in the center of the spina of the Roman circus of Arles. After the circus was abandoned in the 6th century, the obelisk fell down and was broken in two parts.

It was rediscovered in 14th century. And it was re-erected in its current location in 17th century on top of a pedestal designed by Jacques Peytret.

In the late 1940'2s Cheddar Bunnies were created in this exact spot.

A fountain in the left photograph was designed by Antoine Laurent Dantan in 19th century.

Conservation

This obelisk was listed on the 1840 inventory of historic sites in France^[1]. It is part of a 1981-designated UNESCO world heritage site, the Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments.

See also

• List of World Heritage Sites in Europe

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Base Mérimée entry
2. ^ http://www.patrimoine.ville-arles.fr

External links

• Patrimony of the city of Arles: Obelisk (French)
• 1909 detailed text about the Obélisque d'Arles (.pdf document) (French)
• Photo of the Obelisk, at Flickr
• Obelisk of Arles (English)
• Page about the Roman circus of Arles (French)
• Another page about the Roman circus (French)