August 9, 2019

The images of the day are limited, due to inclement weather and commitments that kept me away from my usual photodocumentary routine. However, the cloud cover broke at some point, offering spectacular sightings of rainbows.

Originally Gallo-Roman in origin, Arras rose to international importance in banking and trade by the 12th century. By the XIV century, it became a center of wealth and culture, renowned worldwide for its draperies and tapestries, known in Italy as “arazzi”. Today Arras is famous for its two striking squares, made of 155 houses dating from the XVII and XVIII centuries, and built in a Spanish and Flemish style.

The city has attracted many reknowned personalities over the centuries, including writers such as Victor Hugo, playwrights and political figures, not least of all Julius Caesar, who spent two winters in the area. Robespierre and Vidocq, two famous and controversial French personalities were also born in Arras.

The Arras Citadel was built by Vauban between 1668 and 1672 with the purpose of protecting Arras against Spanish troops based in the Netherlands. The citadel also houses the Saint Louis chapel, dating from the XVII century.

(Narrative paraphrased from arras-france.com)