Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The collegiate church of Saint-Pierre de Douai, erected in 1113 by the Count of Flanders Baudouin VII, was originally a parish church. It dominated the parishes on the right bank of the Scarpe. The early building, dating from the 9th century, was replaced in the 11th century and expanded in 1248 by the Magdeleine chapel. The present church, built between 1735 and 1750, is a blend of Flemish and classical Gothic styles, with a length of 112 meters.

The bell tower, rebuilt between 1513 and 1687, combines Gothic and classical elements. Its upper part was restored in 1904. The college houses a 13th century gold silver hunt, 18th century paintings, and a 17th century retable. During the Revolution it became the Temple of the goddess Reason, and its bells were removed.

The monumental organ, originally built in 1732 for Anchin Abbey, was transferred in 1792. After successive restorations, he was replaced in 1922 by a Cavaillé-Coll/Mutin organ, one of the last representatives of the French symphonic style. The college also houses relics, such as that of James the Major, and a host related to the Eucharistic miracle of 1254.

The college was listed as a historic monument in 1974. Between 2009 and 2019, major renovations were undertaken, notably on roofing and zinguing, for a total cost of €5 million. It remains a symbol of the religious and architectural heritage of Hauts-de-France.

The chapel Notre-Dame des Miracles, built in 1523, houses a 16th century statue of Madonna and works by Nicolas Brenet. The college is also linked to the history of the University of Douai, founded in 1559, which attracted students from all over Europe.

The left transept contains works by Lagrenée, Berthelemy and Bardin, while the right transept houses paintings by Deshays de Colleville and Menagenot. The high altar, Louis XV style, is surrounded by statues of Theophile Bra. The college remains a place of pilgrimage and historical memory.

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