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Former Abbatial Palace, current sacred art museum à Rocamadour dans le Lot

Lot

Former Abbatial Palace, current sacred art museum

    50 Rue de la Couronnerie
    46500 Rocamadour
Crédit photo : Christophe.Finot - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Moyen Âge central
Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1200
1300
1400
1800
1900
2000
1223
Charter of Privileges
1317
Creation of the diocese
milieu du XVIIIe siècle
Abandonment of the palace
1868-1872
Reconstruction by Chevalt
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

See: Religious City (PA46000020)

Key figures

Bernard de Ventadour - Local Lord Granted a charter in 1223.
Jean-Baptiste Chevalt - Architect Reconstructed the palace in the 19th century.
Alfred Grimardias - Bishop of Cahors Reconstruction commander.
Jean Rocacher - History Analyse the remains in 1979.

Origin and history

The former Abbatial Palace of Rocamadour, today a sacred art museum, corresponds to an architectural ensemble built by Jean-Baptiste Chevalt in the 19th century. It includes an eastern wing adjacent to the chapel Saint-Jean-Baptiste, served by two screw stairs, as well as a body of passage extended by a southern wing. Few medieval remains remain, with the exception of the outer elevation of the eastern wing, partially preserved at the height of the base. The facades on the square were reconstructed by partially resuming the original arrangements, with re-use of modillons and window supports.

The drawings, engravings and photographs of the 19th century, as well as the records of Jean-Baptiste Chevalt, make it possible to know the remains disappeared. An analysis by Jean Rocacher (1979) suggests that the body of passage over the large staircase had two residential levels, with broken column and arched bays. A hall mentioned in a 1223 charter, located in the eastern wing, attests to a building dating back to the early 13th century. The windows of the passing body could date from the same time.

The palace served as a residence for the abbots of Rocamadour, then for the bishops of Tulle after 1317. Damaged after the Hundred Years War and despite repairs in the 17th century, it was in ruins in the 18th century. In 1868, the bishop of Cahors, Alfred Grimardias, decided on an almost total reconstruction, preserving only the original "character and physiognomy". The works, led by Jean-Baptiste Chevalt, were completed around 1872, but the building was never occupied by the bishop, preferring the castle of Rocamadour.

The present museum occupies a part of the Abbatial Palace, including the "heater of the monks", whose windows, similar to those of the eastern wing, were recreated by Chevalt. The medieval remains, although rare, offer a partial testimony of 13th century architecture, while the 19th century reconstructions reflect a romantic interpretation of heritage.

External links

Conditions of visit

  • Téléphone : 05 65 33 23 23