Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cloister of the cathedral of Châlons-en-Champagne found its first mention in a diploma of 859, but its closing was decided in July 1255 by Bishop Pierre de Hans, who requested permission from Saint Louis. Six doors were erected to close the canonial quarter, completed in December 1255. A conflict broke out that same year between the chapter and the vidame, the latter having broken a door to his residence in the enclosure. The Imare gate (or Lormiers' gate), the only survivor of the six, was preserved because it supported a house crossing the street, without hindering traffic.

The Imare gate is distinguished by its low-calcareous segment arch of Savonnières, its devoid of decor, and its chalk block wall. The traces of the spindles and pins of the vantals are still visible. The adjacent house, behind the door, uses typical 17th–18th century d'aisseliers mouldings. The neighbourhood, originally reserved for the canons, illustrates the medieval tensions between ecclesiastical power (the chapter) and seigneurial power (the vidame), as well as urban evolution around religious buildings.

The protected element since 1993 includes the portal of the canonial enclosure (door, beam, side walls, consoles) and the house above it (facades and roofs). Its present state reflects both its medieval use of sacred fence and its subsequent adaptations, such as the covered passage integrated into a dwelling. The approximate location (9 Jewish Street) and the cartographic accuracy considered satisfactory (note 6/10) underline its anchoring in the historical centre of Châlons-en-Champagne.

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