Dominican Church

The Friars Preachers' church, a deconsecrated Gothic jewel

The Arles audio-guided tour stops you, at the end of a cul-de-sac, before the deconsecrated church of the Friars Preachers, also called the Dominican church. It is approached with respect: this vast fifteenth-century Gothic building, a listed historic monument, keeps the memory of a former place of worship.

From the Friars Preachers to deconsecration

Originally settled outside the city walls, the order of the Friars Preachers decided, as its movement grew, to have a great church built. Opening onto the Rhône, it welcomed its faithful until the Revolution. Later sold in plots, it served as garages and warehouses, before the municipality bought back the whole and made the building safe.

What there is to see

The church impresses with its scale and its Gothic architecture, a testimony to the power of the mendicant orders in Arles. Deconsecrated, it now hosts cultural events depending on the period. Its volume and its light make it a striking setting, recalling, with respect, its original religious purpose.

Practical information

The Friars Preachers' church is in the centre of Arles. Deconsecrated, it hosts cultural events according to its own schedule; its access may be restricted for safety or conservation reasons. It is best to enquire about visiting conditions.

How old is the Friars Preachers' church?

It is a fifteenth-century Gothic church, a listed historic monument. It welcomed its faithful until the Revolution, before being deconsecrated.

What is the church used for today?

Deconsecrated, bought back and made safe by the municipality, the church now hosts cultural events, depending on the period and conservation conditions.