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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Chapel Saint-Blaise, also known as the Templar Tower, is a Templar Commandery built in the 12th century in Hyères. Built under the name of Saint Blaise, it was originally composed of an ensemble including a house body, a barn, a cellar, a mill and an oven. After the dissolution of the Order of the Temple in 1312, it was transferred to the Hospitallers of the Commanderie de Beaulieu, then transferred to the city in 1673.

In the 14th century, the chapel was integrated into a larger complex, of which it is today the only vestige. Transformed into a hall in 1765, it then housed the town hall until 1913. Its architecture is distinguished by two superimposed chapels, covered with a roof on the terrace, and major modifications in the 19th century, such as the addition of large windows in full hanger. Ranked a historic monument in 1987, it now serves as an exhibition venue.

The chapel presents a rectangular plan completed with a semicircular apse, with a unique nave vaulted in cradle. The elevations, alternately seated, preserve Romanesque portals and medieval archeries. After successive modifications (demolition of the vaults, interior staircase), it was restored to partially restore its original appearance, while integrating modern elements such as a wrought iron campanile.

Owned by the commune, the chapel is located Place Massillon in Hyères (Var). Its history reflects the transitions between religious orders, civil and heritage uses, from its Templar foundation to its current cultural vocation.

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