Christian origins Moyen Âge (période présumée) (≈ 1125)
Crypt dug, likely use as sanctuary.
XVIIe siècle
Rediscovered site
Rediscovered site XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
First known historical mention.
12 juillet 1886
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 12 juillet 1886 (≈ 1886)
Official protection by order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Crypt: by order of 12 July 1886
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character identified
Missing sources on the founders.
Origin and history
The crypt of Uzès, located in the Gard, is a medieval excavation dug directly into the rock. Discovered in the seventeenth century, it would have served as a refuge for Christians during persecution. Its walls contain carved figures, perhaps representing Christ or an orant, as well as an enigmatic Latin inscription: "cato inuses leaks". Its origin probably dates back to the early centuries of Christianity, although its precise dating remains uncertain.
Classified as a Historical Monument since 1886, this semi-open crypt (partly covered, partly open-air) bears witness to clandestine religious practices. Its location under the current Passage of the Jesuit Garden in Uzès suggests a link with the religious history of the city. Subsequent excavations and studies did not fully clarify its original use, but its sacred character and seniority made it a rare vestige in Occitanie.
The crypt is now owned by the municipality of Uzes. Its state of conservation and its approximate location (noted 5/10 in precision) limit the knowledge of its original architecture. No source mentions any historical character related to its construction or use, leaving a mystery to its founders and users throughout the centuries.
