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Origin and history

The Protestant Temple of Rouillé, located in the department of Vienna in New Aquitaine, was built between 1881 and 1883 by architect Eugène Boyer. This monument combines two architectural styles: neo-gothic for its exterior and neo-roman for its interior. With a capacity of 800 people, it is one of the largest Protestant temples in France by its dimensions and stands. Its interior decoration, including the sculptures made by Dumas de Niort and the furniture designed by Robin, cabinetmaker at Poitiers, led to its inclusion in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments in 1998.

In 1884, the temple was inaugurated and became a central place for the local Protestant community, the majority in this predominantly Catholic region since the 16th century. The presence of many Protestant cemeteries around Rouillé bears witness to this particular religious history. In 1967, a large stained glass rose, created by Pastor Jacques Chauvin, was installed above the central door. In 1995, an organ was integrated into the temple, using the elevated pulpit as the basis for its buffet.

Rouillé, a village marked by its Protestant history, was also the scene of tragic events during the Second World War, with the presence of an internment camp near the station. This camp, released in 1944, welcomed various prisoners, including resistance fighters and undesirable foreigners. The temple, as a symbol of the Protestant community, remains a place of remembrance and gathering for the inhabitants.

The temple is located at 14 rue de la Libération, in the village of Rouillé. Its impressive architecture and history make it a key element of local heritage. The commune, located between Poitiers and Niort, is also known for its agricultural past and its role in the resistance during the war. The temple, owned by the commune, continues to play a cultural and religious role in the region.

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