Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel of the Hospice de Rue, located in the centre of Rue (Somme, Hauts-de-France), was built around 1186 to welcome the poor and pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela. Its foundation was confirmed the same year by Pope Urban III. The Hospice, which was destroyed in 1496 by the English, was rebuilt in the early 16th century thanks to a brotherhood of ancient pilgrims. The nave and choir, dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint James the Major, bear inscriptions dated 1507 (choir) and 1512 (nef).

The chapel underwent major modifications: the choir, originally planned to be vaulted, was only in 1755, as indicated by a key to the vault. During the French Revolution, it was transformed into a barn, but a false ceiling protected its decorative elements (wooden keg vault, 16th century sandstones). The western facade, rebuilt in brick at the end of the 19th century, adopts a neo-flamand style. Ranked a historic monument in 1921, it houses 14th and 15th century statues, 18th century woodwork, and a painting attributed to Philippe de Champaigne.

The building is distinguished by its octagonal slate bell tower, its stone nave larger than the choir, and its interior adorned with carved sandstones (hunting scenes, foliage, attributes of Saint James). The stalls of the 18th century and the painting Saint Augustine (master altar) bear witness to its rich artistic heritage. The chapel illustrates the history of medieval hospices, linked to both local charity and European pilgrimage routes.

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