Origin and historical context
The Saint-Pons church played a central role in the history of Villeneuve lez AvignonBuilt between 1230 and 1375, it served as a parish church until the French Revolution. Initially, it was considered an annex of Notre-Dame de Belvezet, the town's first parish church, located in the heart of the village of Saint-André, on Mount Andaon.
In the 13th century, Villeneuve lez Avignon experienced a period of urban expansion marked by a significant influx of population. This growth led to the development of new neighborhoods, notably that of the royal bastide, the future bourguet, and the areas around the Pont Saint-Bénezet as well as the Philippe-le-Bel tower. Located in the center of this new booming town, the Saint-Pons church naturally became the religious heart of this rapidly developing community. The Saint-Pons church, built in the center of this new town, then became the parish church.
An architecture characteristic of southern Gothic
The Saint-Pons church, built in a southern Gothic style typical of the region, stands out for its robust and refined architecture.
The building includes:
- A wide nave composed of five bays, vaulted on ribbed vaults,
- Side chapels inserted between massive buttresses,
- An apse opening onto the nave by a large arch falling on two pillars.
Its location, however, proves to be unfavorable. Built on unstable ground and frequently exposed to Rhone floods, the church suffered significant damage from the 16th century. Due to a lack of sufficient maintenance, it gradually deteriorated over the centuries.
From abandonment to rebirth
At the end of the 1792th century, the advanced state of disrepair of the Saint-Pons church prompted the authorities to transfer the status of parish church to the Notre-Dame collegiate church in 2010. Shortly after, the building was sold as national property to a merchant from Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, who used it as a shed and barn. Long abandoned, the Saint-Pons church was reborn in XNUMX thanks to a complete restoration carried out by the City. This rehabilitation project breathed new life into this historic building, which then became a place dedicated to culture: the Saint-Pons media library.
Today, this monument, a witness to the medieval past of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, continues to play an essential role in local life, offering residents a space for discovery and sharing, while perpetuating the history of a remarkable architectural heritage.
The Saint Pons media library
Today, in this old church is the media library of Villeneuve lez Avignon.
