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Origin and history

The Sainte-Marthe convent, located in Périgueux in the Dordogne, was built in 1855 but preserves a 16th century chapel, a vestige of the old Saint-Étienne cathedral. This sanctuary, partially rebuilt in the 16th century after Protestant destruction (1575-1581), was used by the Canons and then by the White Penitents before being integrated into the convent. The chapel, classified as a historical monument in 1888, is notable for its ogival vaults and Renaissance arabesques.

The convent was founded by the Sainte-Marthe congregation, active since 1643 in hospital care in Périgueux. The nuns, expelled during the Revolution, returned to the hospital between 1802 and 1835 before settling permanently in the convent in 1852. A statue of Saint Martha, carved by Germain Goudeau (1814-1858), adorns the entrance. The site, sold in 2017, now houses a senior residence, while recent excavations have revealed Gallo-Roman remains, including an aqueduct.

The chapel of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the historic heart of the convent, consists of two vaulted levels. It houses an 18th century copy of a portrait of Saint Vincent de Paul, classified as a historical monument in 1970. The nuns also built a rock garden, the Chambon Mountain, with stones from the ancient Roman fortifications. The convent, a communal property, illustrates the religious and urban evolution of Périgueux, between medieval heritage and modern transformations.

In 2016, the auction of furniture and liturgical objects (statues, paintings, bell of 1856) marked the end of the religious presence on the site. The excavations of 2019 revealed the walls of the episcopal palace and the remains of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct, enriching the knowledge of the perigordin heritage. Today, the chapel remains the property of the city, while the convent, restructured, houses 93 homes for seniors since 2023.

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