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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame de la Réal, located in Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales, was founded in 1301 on the initiative of the king of Majorca Jacques II and the consuls of the city. Built on the site of a former monastery of the brothers of Penance, it became a collegiate in 1340 under James III, then an august abbey in 1381 with the arrival of canons of Espira-de-l'Agly. Its Gothic architecture, with a unique nave of 61 meters flanked by side chapels, reflects its medieval importance.

In 1408-1409, the church welcomed the Council of Real, convened by the Anti-Pope Benedict XIII to resolve the Great Schism of the West. There participated 349 dignitaries, including seven cardinals and three patriarchs, but the council concluded without firm decision. The building suffered damage in 1539 during a bombing, with its bell tower rebuilt in 1545. After internal conflicts in the 17th century around the appointment of the abbots, the abbey was united with the bishopric of Elne in 1781.

Disused in 1793 and transformed into an artillery park, the church was restored to worship in 1803. Classified as a historical monument in 1983, it preserves major Gothic elements: a partially destroyed 14th century bell tower, a arched sacristy of warheads, and marble side chapels. The current classical portal, in marble of Villefranche, has replaced the medieval original since 1633, today at the church of Saint-Jacques.

The La Réal district, centered around the church, derives its name from this royal parish linked to the castle of Perpignan. Since 1923, the premises have also been home to a Scout Group. The building illustrates the links between royal power, religion and urban planning in Roussillon, from Majorquin origins to the French Revolution.

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