Second Floor of the Cloister at Saint-Trophime Church in Arles

I thought I was finished exploring the Saint-Trophime Church is Arles. I liked the cloister of the church since it has that rare open space in the middle of a bustling city like Arles. While the church is actually on the Place de la Republique which is the center of town, I think it would be better for the monks to stay in the cloister for their meditations. I think it is a privilege to have your own space even back then. As I was walking around the cloister, I noticed that there was a set of stairs which leads to an upper level. I didn’t appear to me that there was a second floor here but I was lucky to have stumbled on to it.

Turns out the second floor provides good view of the cloister itself and the tower of the church. One can walk along the walls on top of the cloister and have a look at the entire place. It is good that the cloister lets the light in so people can see what goes on in the cloister. I was only a visitor but I would imagine people going around and meditating here. I wasn’t expecting to be visiting churches in Arles but I only found out that Arles itself was the seat of the office of the bishop. Things have changed now but what remains are the cathedral building and the cloister behind it.

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