Abbaye Saint-Ruf
The Abbey of Saint-Ruf was founded on the site of a 1975th century early Christian necropolis near the Via Agrippa, the Roman road to Arles, as shown by the discovery of around forty sarcophagi during excavations carried out in XNUMX.
The abbey itself, founded in 1039, quickly spread throughout the region and beyond.
Rebuilt in the first half of the 12th century, after the Albigensian War, it was fortified in the 14th century. Part of its crenellated fortifications, from the same period as the ramparts of Avignon, is still visible on the north side.
The abbey then experienced such decline that the abbot, due to lack of funds, was forced to destroy the nave in the 18th century.
It suffered further damage in the 19th century when it was converted into a sewage sludge distillation plant.
Its superb remains have been very well restored and a recent excavation campaign (2017) has made it possible to rediscover the layout of the convent buildings and the cloister.
Today, the abbey is one of the most precious sites in Avignon's heritage and is surrounded by a public garden that is very popular with families.
Rebuilt in the first half of the 12th century, after the Albigensian War, it was fortified in the 14th century. Part of its crenellated fortifications, from the same period as the ramparts of Avignon, is still visible on the north side.
The abbey then experienced such decline that the abbot, due to lack of funds, was forced to destroy the nave in the 18th century.
It suffered further damage in the 19th century when it was converted into a sewage sludge distillation plant.
Its superb remains have been very well restored and a recent excavation campaign (2017) has made it possible to rediscover the layout of the convent buildings and the cloister.
Today, the abbey is one of the most precious sites in Avignon's heritage and is surrounded by a public garden that is very popular with families.
Themes:
Opening
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open |
| Tuesday | Open |
| Wednesday | Open |
| Thursday | Open |
| Friday | Open |
| Open on Saturday | Open |
| Sunday | Open |