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Origin and history

The Protestant temple of Cozes is part of a local religious history marked by a strong Protestant presence from the seventeenth century until the revocation of the edict of Nantes in 1685. After this period, the Protestant community of Cozes, though reduced, maintained a discreet cult activity. In the 18th century, a first temple was built on the outskirts of the village, reflecting the persistence of this faith despite the persecutions.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the old temple, which had become old, was replaced by the present building. In 1817, the deacons of the community decided its reconstruction, entrusting the work to Jean Bloteau, local architect-entrepreneur. The work was completed in 1821, giving rise to a rectangular temple, sober with the exception of its facade adorned with an oculus pediment and a door framed with doric pilasters. This temple, one of the oldest in Poitou-Charentes, preserves intact its original liturgical furniture: pulpit, pulpit and communion table.

Filed by order of 21 September 1998, the temple is now owned by the municipality of Cozes. Its inscription concerns the entire building, including its interior decoration, emphasizing its heritage importance. The location of the temple, at 4 Rampe du Temple, reflects its anchoring in the urban landscape of Cozes, although historical sources specify an approximate location (level 5/10).

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