Saint-Gabriel de Tarascon

Just about 12 kms north of Arles was an "interchange" during Roman times, as the Via Aurelia Domitia linked to the Via Aurelia here. Centuries later a chapel was erected near this once important place, first recorded in 858. This was the predecessor of the chapel seen today, built end of the 12th century. It is surrounded by olive trees and was watched over by a fortified castle on the hill. While the fortification is in ruins, the chapel, dedicated to Saint Gabriel, is still in a good condition.

Compared to the carving at the oculus and the ornaments around, this relief seems rough. It is carved in a very different, "archaic" style. Maybe pre-Romanesque. My first impression was, that it is older than this chapel, a re-used spolia, but I could not find any information about. Even the two archeolgists working nearby did not know anything about, as they concentrated on much older remains in the ground.

Seen is the "Annunciation" and the "Visitation".

The "Angelic Salutation" and the names of the three characters
seen are written in stone - just above the relief.

AVE MARIA GRA(TIA) PLENA D(OMI)N(U)S TECU(M)
ANGELUS GABRIHEL S(ANCTA) MARIA MATERD(OMI)NI ELISABETH