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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The church of the Nativity of Marie de Graveson, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône, is a building dating back to the twelfth century. It features partially Romanesque architecture, although rebuilt in the 19th century, with the exception of its choir. The latter, particularly remarkable, was listed as historical monuments on 2 November 1926. Its Romanesque apse, built of cut stone, is a typical example of Provencal Romanesque art, with a triumphal arch with double arches and a cul-de-four vault.

The apse is decorated with seven curved arcades, separated by elegant columns decorated with various grooves (right, twisted or mixed). These columns support white marble capitals sculpted with plant motifs such as acanthe leaves, palmettes and daisies. These architectural elements bear witness to a refined craftsmanship, characteristic of the Romanesque churches in the region.

Although the church underwent major transformations in the 19th century, its Romanesque choir remains a precious vestige of the original medieval building. The protection of this choir by the Historical Monuments underlines its heritage importance. Today, the church belongs to the municipality of Graveson and continues to play a central role in local life, both religiously and culturally.

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