Probable construction XIIe siècle (2e moitié) (≈ 1250)
Dating of the characteristic Romanesque bay.
XIIIe siècle
Major reorganization
Major reorganization XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Changes related to the nearby cathedral.
8 juillet 1937
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 8 juillet 1937 (≈ 1937)
Official protection of the chapel and palace.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Origin and history
The Madeleine Chapel is a Romanesque chapel located in the courtyard of the Old Archbishop's Palace in Narbonne, on the first floor of the southeast tower. It is considered the oldest Palatine chapel preserved in southern France after that of Albi. Its architecture, including the Romanesque bay decorated with canned columns and acanthe-leaf capitals, reflects an ancient inspiration.
The chapel was probably built in the 12th century, as evidenced by the bay dating back to the second half of this century. It underwent major changes in the 13th, 18th and 19th centuries, in connection with the construction of the nearby Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur cathedral. These transformations have changed its original appearance, while maintaining characteristic Romanesque elements.
Classified as historical monuments since 8 July 1937, the chapel is an integral part of the Palais-Musée des Archbishops de Narbonne. Today, it is distinguished by its large curved bay, similar to a hanging gate, and its decorations inspired by ancient art, such as the friezes of Greeks and Doves. Its history is closely linked to that of archiepiscopal power in the region.
