Timeline

Origin and history

The Episcopal City of Fréjus, classified as a Historical Monument since 1908, is one of the oldest religious groups in France. Founded in the fourth century, the bishopric of Fréjus is the second oldest in the country after Lyon. This episcopal group includes a paleo-Christian Baptistery, a fifth-century narthex supporting the bell tower, as well as two adjoining churches: Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Stephen's Church. A cloister with a central tank, a house of the Provost and a cellar complete this remarkable ensemble, witness of the Provencal Christian history.

The Episcopal Palace, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, was rebuilt after 1838 in a defensive Gothic style. Its fortified elements include the Riculphus Tower, on the northeast, with well preserved mâchicoulis, and a south-east tower, former chapel Saint-André with 14th century ogival vaults. To the west, the site of the old facade of the palace, destroyed in 1825, is still visible in the current pavement, marking an extension of 20 meters compared to the current town hall.

The architecture of the episcopal city thus reflects almost seventeen centuries of history, mixing paleo-Christian, medieval and modern reconstruction heritage. Its classification in 1908 underlines its heritage importance, both for its seniority and for the diversity of its components, ranging from liturgical structures to defensive elements, illustrating the evolution of episcopal power in Provence.

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