Known all over the world, the Alyscamps (which in Provencal means “Champs-Elysees” (Elysian Fields)) is one of the sights of the French city of Arles. It is a former Roman necropolis, which initially existed in the southeastern outskirts of the city near the fortress walls of Arles. As its territory expanded, it shifted right to the modern center. You can easily reach it on foot.

Here, until the French Revolution, eminent citizens had been buried for one and a half thousand years. Van Gogh dedicated several of his paintings to the necropolis.

The necropolis became famous after the funeral of the first Bishop of Arles, Saint Trophimus. According to legend, this funeral was attended by Jesus Christ, who left his imprint on the sarcophagus lid. Besides, the Christian martyr Saint Genesius was buried here. He was beheaded in 303 as he had refused to reject his faith. Then, the Alyscamps became a cult place, and the number of those wishing to lay bones next to the saints increased steadily.

In the Middle Ages, it was so honored that the worthiest people from all over Europe were brought here for burial. The opportunistic fishermen who took the deceased across the Rhone successfully earned money on that. Due to the lack of space, some sarcophagi were stacked on top of each other in layers. In the 12th century, the remains of Saint Trophimus were relocated to a new cathedral, slightly reducing the profile of the necropolis.

During the Renaissance, the necropolis was plundered, precious Roman sarcophagi were irretrievably lost, and the locals took the burial stones for house building. In the mid-19th century, the site was damaged further by a railway built across the necropolis, dividing it into two parts.

Today it is an open-air museum with ancient crypts, churches, and the remains of ancient burials listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to the sight can be combined with other historical sites: the Arles Amphitheater and the Roman Theater of Arles. In Arles, you can buy a multi-pass, which will allow you to choose from four buildings and two museums, costing €12 per person.