Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The convent of the Ursulines of Quimper, founded in 1621 under the impulse of the widow of the lord of Kernabrest and Perrette de Bermond, initially implanted outside the city walls on the "Terre-au-Duc". As early as 1623, a first square building was erected, completed in 1627 by the Chapel of Paradise, ceded by the parish of Saint-Mathieu. The Marquis of Rosmadec supported their installation in 1628 by an act of foundation. The convent develops through a boarding school and a school for girls, respecting the religious fence while adhering to the province of Paris, dedicated to education. Teaching, mostly religious, also includes reading, writing and mathematics.

In 1760, the construction of a second quadrilateral building began, but only the east and south wings were completed. The Revolution marked a turning point: in 1790 the Church's property was confiscated, and in 1792 the Paradise Chapel was destroyed by fire. The southern wing, a future library, became a military prison in 1793, while the 41 nuns were expelled in 1794. The buildings were reassigned to court, veterans' barracks (1808), and then active barracks. A new building was added in 1862 for military exercises. The site, partially classified in 1987, now houses the media library Alain Gérard.

Located between the historic centre of Quimper and the cultural centre, the convent is distinguished by its sober architecture, contrasting with the small surrounding houses. Close to Saint Corentin Cathedral, it illustrates the city's ancient urban planning. Its history reflects political and social upheavals, moving from religious education to military space, before becoming a modern cultural equipment. The Saint-Mathieu Halls, built in 1937, replaced the old prison, marking a new stage in the transformation of the neighbourhood.

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