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Jesuit College à Grenoble dans l'Isère

Isère

Jesuit College

    7 Rue Alphand
    38000 Grenoble
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Collège de Jésuites
Crédit photo : Rémih - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1700
1800
1900
2000
1651
College Foundation
1673
Solar clock
1699
Royal Declaration
1763
Expulsion of the Jesuits
1796
Central School
1964
Partial classification
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Façade de la Chapelle (Box B 728) : inscription by decree of 26 February 1964

Key figures

Père Bonfa - Jesuit Astronomy Creator of the solar clock (1673).
Louis XIV - King of France Subsidizes construction, says *Royal-Dauphin*.
Henri Beyle (Stendhal) - Writer Former college student.
Jean-François Champollion - Egyptologist Former college student.

Origin and history

The Jesuit College of Grenoble, founded in 1651, is an emblematic monument of 17th century religious and scientific teaching. Its construction, subsidized by Louis XIV, includes a chapel and a unique solar clock, made in 1673 by Father Bonfa, Jesuit astronomer. This reflection dial, always visible, illustrates the scientific advances of the period and combines astronomy and astrology. The college, declared Royal-Dauphin in 1699, became a place of educational excellence until the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1763.

In the 18th century, the establishment passed under the direction of secular priests and the Josephites, before becoming a Central School in 1796 during the Revolution. His role evolved towards secular and scientific teaching, marking a break with Jesuit traditions. The building, which witnessed the Day of the Tiles in 1788 (pre-revolutionary event), also houses Stendhal and Champollion as students. In the 19th century, it hosted the library and museum of Grenoble before becoming an imperial high school again in 1803.

Partially classified as Historical Monuments in 1964 (facade of the chapel) and 1984 (solar clock), the site preserves architectural traces of the 17th and 18th centuries. Transformed into Stendhal International High School in 1987, he moved in 2001 to give way to the current school city. His legacy includes an association of former students (1873) and a lasting academic reputation, with remarkable national rankings in the 21st century.

The solar clock, classified in 1920, remains a symbol of Jesuit knowledge. Protected by windows since 1984, it attracts visitors during exceptional openings. The college thus embodies the transition between the religious education of Ancien Régime and the Republican school, while preserving a rare scientific and architectural heritage.

External links