A 'compostelle' office within the Saint Trophime cathedral opened for an hour and Anni was pleased to have a new pilgrim to sign in. She was interested to hear that others were walking and cycling but most not 'registering' at the cathedral. She was a member of the local association supporting the pilgrimage but was aware that new technology was steering people away from the old traditions. There was something special having the conversation with a true supporter. I was glad I made the effort.
Roman Teatro and Amphitheatre are the result of the Romans taking a foothold in Gaul a century BC and the Via Aurelia runs from here through to Rome itself. Arles is where pilgrims turned west to Santiago, east to Rome or sailed off to Jerusalem. It was the lowest bridging point on the Rhone.
There is little doubt in my mind that the easy routing alongside the Canal du Midi has contributed in fewer numbers taking an interest in the Chemin d'Arles. Not fogetting this camino frances route is well known to be the least favoured route from France to Santiago.
Saint Honorat is a very atmospheric church. It stands at the head of an avenue where Van Gough painted his work 'Les Alyscamps'. Also here a plaque giving pilgrimage options.
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Glad you had the encounter with Anni :)
ReplyDeleteAnni is a real 'trooper' fulfilling a role which has existed for centuries in one shape or another. Her daughter and family had visited Wales recently which was a nice link. She as a youngster had hitchhiked to Liverpool where she and her friend were befriended by a couple who later visited her in France. An insight into why she took on this duty
DeleteGreat to see an amphitheater
ReplyDeletePredicted text .. amphitheatre
ReplyDeleteIt's been cared for very well and shows the extent of the Roman Empire once upon a time
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