In this great structure we thus find an epitome of Provençal art. The cloisters and porch, representing the richly decorated Provençal form of Romanesque; the nave, the plain reformed style of the Cistertians; while the choir exhibits the weak sort of Northern Gothic imported in the fifteenth century, which is entirely without interest beside the more impressive examples of genuine Provençal architecture. It will be observed that in the main structural features the pointed arch is employed, while in the portal, cloisters and windows the round arch is used. [Illustration: FIG. 77. “CLOCHER” OF THE CHURCH OF ST HONORAT, ARLES. (From _Révoil_.)] At the “Alyscamps,” the famous cemetery of Arles (described in Part IV.), several remains of the numerous churches and chapels formerly connected with it may still be seen. The church of St Honorat is the most important. It is of very ancient foundation, but has been frequently repaired and restored. The west doorway, with its zigzag and other enrichments, is evidently of the twelfth century. The tower or “clocher” (Fig. 77) also appears to be of that date, and bears the usual character of Provençal Romanesque. The dome which covers it is, however, a somewhat unusual feature. A few other ancient churches are to be seen at Arles, but they are all much decayed or altered. The churches of Notre Dame la Majeure and Ste Magdeleine, are very ancient foundations, but there is little of the old work left. St Césaire is also ancient, but is converted into private houses, and there are only scraps of the original structure remaining. After being united to France, and thus delivered from the incessant struggles maintained in earlier times between the Bishops, the Podestàs and the counts of Provence, Arles exhibited numerous signs of growing prosperity. The union with an established power seems to have imparted a considerable impulse to the prosperity of Provence, which began to revive under a settled government; and Arles, as the chief town, naturally benefited greatly from the improvement. Indications of this amelioration are met with at every turn in the narrow streets, which abound in fine examples of Renaissance work. The early picturesque style of French Renaissance, so usual in Anjou and on the banks of the Loire, is of frequent occurrence here. Of the above tendency Fig. 78 may be taken as an example, shewing by the striking arrangement of the staircase in the courtyard, how picturesque this style may be made when suitably and naturally treated. We may also observe in the midst of the abundant ruins of the ancient Roman architecture of this city, numerous palaces in the classic style of the sixteenth century; the revival of which the ancient works had lived to witness, and probably had also helped to forward with suggestions for their design. [Illustration: FIG. 78. RENAISSANCE HOUSE IN ARLES.]