Arles is a city in the Provence region of southeastern France. Located close to Fontvielle, Tarascon, and Saintes Maries de la Mer, it offers a wealth of natural attractions and historical sights. It is actually the largest city in the country, with a total land area of more than 758 square kilometers. Set in an area of serene natural beauty, the town encompasses the tranquil Rhône River banks, the majestic plains of Crau, the towering Alpilles, and the beautiful wild lands of Camargue. Given these and other natural features, it is easy to see why Arles is such a favored destination by nature lovers. The city has long been an important center of culture and civilization, having served as a Roman Gaelic metropolis. Many signs of this period–and of the subsequent conversion to Christianity– still remain, including the Alyscamps burial site, the amphitheater, and the Constantin baths. The Roman monuments have since been accorded national heritage status by UNESCO. Arles also has a rich heritage of art and culture, with Van Gogh and Gaugain having stayed in the city frequently for lengthy periods. Picasso was an ardent aficionado of the bullfights, and he was sufficiently inspired to create two paintings and several drawings on the very subject. Even today, bullfighting remains a popular sport in Arles. Along with bull runs known as ferias, events are held in a 12,000-seat arena that has been used for the same purpose since the time of the Romans. Other notable attractions in the city are the Musée de l'Arles Antique, Musée Arlaten, and Musée du Riz.