Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cemetery of Livron-sur-Drôme is known to house the remains of the collegiate Saint-Prix, an old church built at the end of the 15th century, although the cemetery itself dates back to the 14th century. This site, classified as a historic monument in 1926, preserves the remains of the choir of the collegiate, with architectural elements such as lancet bays and traces of dogive vaults. The walls still carry painted fragments, and the choir space is now occupied by 19th and 20th century tombs.

The collegiate Saint-Prix, dedicated to the bishop of Auvergne of the same name, was built from 1485 and consecrated in 1493. She played a central role in religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants during the Wars of Religion. In 1562 the Protestant soldiers destroyed its gates, statues and altar. Despite attempts at restoration, such as that carried out in 1568 by Baron de Gordes, the college was gradually abandoned. In 1576 it became a simple parish church before being definitively replaced by an ancient Protestant temple in 1632.

Over the centuries, the ruins of the college were integrated into the municipal cemetery and even served as a career, accelerating their degradation. In 2015, an archaeological study conducted by Quentin Rochet preceded stabilization work by the municipality. Today, the remains, including the choir walls and a northern chapel, are freely accessible. They bear witness to the religious and architectural history of Livron-sur-Drôme, marked by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants.

The cemetery and the ruins of the college are the property of the commune. Their inscription in the historic monuments in 1926 preserved this heritage, although only part of the original structures remained. Modern tombs are alongside medieval remains, creating a place where history and memory mix. Historical sources, such as the work of Jean-Pierre Bernard or the Archeodunum reports, document the importance of this site in local and regional history.

External links