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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Project church, located on Rue Tustal in Bordeaux, was built in the 14th century, although some sources evoke an origin dating back to the 15th century. Today, only the tower remains, classified as a historical monument since 1965. This five-storey vestige features broken arch windows and a 17th-century door masking the original entrance. The upper part of the tower seems to have been rebuilt later, suggesting architectural changes over the centuries.

The church cross, mentioned in 1518, is still visible on Saint-Project Square, an ancient site of the medieval cemetery. Only its barrel is original; the current cross dates from the beginning of the 20th century. The small church was frequented by the bourgeoisie and the Bordeaux artisans. It was located within the city's ramparts, in a neighborhood driven by a medieval market.

In 1791, in the context of the French Revolution, constitutional bishop Pierre Pacareau ordered the closure of several Bordeaux churches, including Saint-Projet. This decision was part of the reorganization of parishes imposed by the Act of 6 March 1791, reducing their number from 9 to 10. Place Saint-Projet, once dynamic with its fountain (1737) carved by Michel Van der Woort, also symbolized the local rivers (Peugue and Devèze) and Bordeaux maritime activity.

The fountain, fed by the source of Arlac (Merignac), was a central point of the neighborhood. Today, backed by a building, it has maritime motifs (shipheads, trident) and an abundance horn, reflecting the importance of river trade for Bordeaux. The tower of Saint-Project, with its Gothic details, remains the last tangible testimony of this church.

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