Villeneuve lez Avignon, a city of history and spirituality, is home to a rich religious heritage. Its many chapels, scattered throughout the city, bear witness to the different eras and influences that have shaped its identity. Some are still visible, others have disappeared, but each tells a part of the city's history. This chapel circuit invites you to explore these remarkable buildings, from Mont Andaon to the heart of the city, passing by ancient brotherhoods and cardinals' residences.
The first chapels: the Christian origins of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
The history of Villeneuve's chapels begins with Saint Casarie, an emblematic figure of the city. Her tomb, located on Mount Andaon, gave rise to the city's first Christian building: a small chapel dating from the XNUMXth century.
Now restored, this chapel is the origin of theAbbey of Saint Andrew, a spiritual center of the region.
The abbey once had two major chapels:
- The Saint-Martin chapel (11th century)
- The Saint-André chapel (12th century)
Both were destroyed after the French Revolution, during the sale of the abbey as national property.
Where to see it? Meet in the gardens of the Abbey of Saint André (entrance fee).
The Notre-Dame de Belvezet chapel: a 12th-century vestige
Inside the current Fort St-Andre, the first parish church of the city, Our Lady of Belvezet, was built in the 12th century. Its small size testified to the small number of inhabitants at that time. Unfortunately, its carved wooden statue of the Virgin has disappeared.
Where to see it? Meet at Fort Saint Andre (entrance fee).
The Chapel of the Grey Penitents
Built in the 18th century by the Brotherhood of the Grey PenitentsThis chapel reflects an important aspect of Villeneuve's spirituality. Dissolved during the Revolution, the brotherhood merged with the Black Penitents to form the White Penitents. The chapel then served as a temporary church.
The disappearance of the Chapel of the Black Penitents
Located in the north of theSaint-Pons church, the chapel of the Black Penitents was largely destroyed. Only part of its facade, called the Anti-Chapelle, remains on rue Francis Pouzol. Today, a modern building houses the municipal archives on its site.
The chapels of artisans and brotherhoods
Some chapels were founded by trades and corporations, for the purpose of protection and specific worship.
Our Lady of Sorrows
Created by the brotherhood of quarrymen, this chapel is located on the old road leading to the quarries of Cabrion and Carles, operated until the 18th century. Restored in 2019, it recalls the importance of stone extraction in the history of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
The chapel of Saint-Roch
dedicated to St. Roch, patron saint of quarrymen, this chapel was built by a former Carthusian monk. Located in the district of Vieux Moulin, it was restored and reopened for worship in 1868.
Private and cardinal chapels
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit (1540)
Located in the cloister of the Notre Dame Collegiate Church, it was sold as national property after the Revolution.
Saint Mark's Chapel (18th century)
Patron of wineries, Saint Mark was venerated in this chapel located at the corner of the streets of the Fair and Fabrigoule. Today, it is converted into corporate shop.
The private chapel of Cardinal de Canillac
The only vestige of this cardinal's livery, a small ogival window is still visible on rue de l’Hôpital.
The Hospice Chapel
Founded in 1695 by the nuns of Saint Elizabeth, this chapel once housed the magnificent Mausoleum of Pope Innocent VI, transferred to 1960 in the Charterhouse of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame: a chapel that has become a major monument
Located at the end of Rue de l'Hôpital, the Notre Dame Collegiate Church was built on the site of the old private chapel of Cardinal Arnaud de Via, nephew of the pope John XXIIThis major building in Villeneuve was, until the Revolution, the seat of a collegiate chapter composed of canons.
This tour offers you a journey through religious and architectural history of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious, these chapels bear witness to the spiritual and heritage importance of the city.