Church of St. Barthélémy, La Rochelle
La Rochelle Cathedral, officially Cathédrale Saint-Louis de la Rochelle, is a Catholic church in La Rochelle, France, designated a national monument since 1906. Its construction began in 1742 in a Neo-Classical style, and it was consecrated in 1784, though not entirely complete. The cathedral incorporates the late medieval Gothic bell tower of the former Church of St. Barthélémy, which played a role in the city's defenses.
Key Facts
- ›The present cathedral's construction began in 1742, designed by Jacques Gabriel.
- ›It was consecrated in 1784, despite not being fully completed at that time.
- ›The cathedral features a Neo-Classical architectural style.
- ›The late medieval Gothic bell tower of the Church of St. BarthéLémy is attached to the chevet.
- ›The Church of St. BarthéLémy's original structure was destroyed by Huguenots in 1568.
- ›The bell tower served as a gun tower during the siege of La Rochelle in 1627.
- Late Medieval Gothic Bell Tower of St. BarthéLéMy
- Cupola With Paintings By William Bouguereau
Jacques Gabriel, Ange-Jacques Gabriel
About Church of St. Barthélémy, La Rochelle
La Rochelle Cathedral
La Rochelle Cathedral, officially known as Cathédrale Saint-Louis de la Rochelle, is a significant Catholic religious building located in the city of La Rochelle, France. It has held the status of a national monument since 1906, underscoring its historical and architectural importance.
History and Construction
The foundation of the present cathedral was laid in 1742, under plans drawn up by architect Jacques Gabriel. Though Gabriel had passed away, his son, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, supervised the work from a distance. The cathedral was consecrated in 1784, though historical accounts note that it was still not entirely complete at that time. The architectural style of the structure is characterized as rather bare Neo-Classical.
The Church of St. Barthélémy
Attached to the chevet of the present cathedral is the late medieval Gothic bell tower of the Church of St. Barthélémy. This original church was first constructed in 1152 by monks from the Ile d'Aix. Its main structure was tragically destroyed by Huguenots in 1568. The bell tower, situated on one of La Rochelle's highest points, notably served a defensive purpose, being used as a gun tower against the besieging army of Louis XIII in 1627.
Following the destruction of the original Church of St. Barthélémy, displaced parishioners eventually took over a grand former Protestant church in 1628. However, when the Diocese of La Rochelle was created in 1648, this church was designated for use as the new cathedral. Consequently, the parishioners built a new Church of St. Barthélémy nearby, which was finished in 1678. The older church burned down in 1687, leading the chapter to move into the new church, where they shared the space with the parish until the new cathedral's consecration in 1784. The church built in 1678 was entirely destroyed during the French Revolution, and its site was later re-developed.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Rochelle Cathedral built?
The first stone of the present cathedral was laid in 1742. It was consecrated in 1784, although it was not yet complete.
What is the architectural style of La Rochelle Cathedral?
The structure of La Rochelle Cathedral is described as a rather bare Neo-Classical style.
What is the significance of the St. Barthélémy bell tower?
The late medieval Gothic bell tower of the Church of St. Barthélémy is attached to the cathedral's chevet. It was originally constructed in 1152 and later served as a gun tower during the 1627 siege of La Rochelle.
Is La Rochelle Cathedral an active place of worship?
Yes, La Rochelle Cathedral is a Catholic church and an active place of worship.
When was the Diocese of La Rochelle created?
The Diocese of La Rochelle was created in 1648. From 1852, it was known as the Diocese of La Rochelle and Saintes.
Related Cathedrals
La Rochelle Cathedral
La Rochelle Cathedral, officially the Cathédrale Saint-Louis de la Rochelle, is a Neo-Classical Roman Catholic cathedral located in La Rochelle, France. Although consecrated in 1784, its construction spanned a significant period, incorporating elements from an earlier medieval church. The cathedral holds national monument status and features notable artworks, including paintings by William Bouguereau.
Verdun Cathedral
Verdun Cathedral, officially Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Verdun, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Verdun, France. It is notable for its historical depth, tracing its origins to the 3rd century, and for its architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Neo-Classical styles. The cathedral holds significant historical importance, having been a focal point during World War I.
Clogher
St. Macartan's Cathedral in Clogher, County Tyrone, is one of two cathedrals serving the Diocese of Clogher within the Church of Ireland. The current neo-classical structure was designed by James Martin and erected in 1744 on a site traditionally founded as a monastery by St. Macartan around 490 AD.