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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Chapelle Saint-Quenin is a 12th century Romanesque chapel located in Vaison-la-Romane, in the department of Vaucluse. It is distinguished by its triangular apse and an ornamentation inspired by Roman art, a legacy of the ancient history of the city. Dedicated to Saint Quinin (Quinidius), monk of Lérins and bishop of Vaison in the sixth century, it was erected on an ancient Roman necropolis. His name comes from the canonization of Quenin by Pope Innocent III in 1205.

Prior to the excavations of Abbé Joseph Sautel, his triangular bedside provided various hypotheses: a temple dedicated to Diane, a Christianized Roman building, or a Carolingian sanctuary. Built in the second half of the 12th century, its nave was rebuilt between 1630 and 1636 thanks to Bishop Monsignor de Suares, whose arms and inscriptions recall his contribution.

Ranked among the first French historical monuments in 1840, the chapel was noticed by Prosper Mérimée, inspector of the Historical Monuments, who described it in his Notes of a journey in the south of France. Its architecture combines ancient influences (canned columns, capitals with acanthe, geometric friezes) and novels (naïve frieze of the chorus span). The triangular bedside, decorated with pilasters and bas-reliefs, contrasts with the sober nave, supported by foothills.

The western facade, surmounted by a bell tower-wall, has two paleo-Christian bas-reliefs, including a vase with vine pampres, which became Vaison's coat of arms in 1630. These elements, as well as the landscapes inspired by antiquity (vessels, rinceaux, human figures), testify to the dialogue between the Roman, medieval and modern eras.

A communal property, the chapel illustrates the religious and artistic heritage of Vaison-la-Romane, between Roman tradition and Roman creativity. Its early classification underlines its heritage importance, while its unique decorations make it a rare witness to the medieval reinterpretation of ancient art.

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