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Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte: A Gothic Masterpiece in Aix

Discover Aix-en-Provence's first Gothic church, a historic landmark with stunning architecture, art, and a rich connection to Provence's past.

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The Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte, located in Aix-en-Provence, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the first of its kind in Provence. Built in the 13th century, it has a rich history, including serving as a burial place for the Counts of Provence. Its towering bell tower is the highest point in Aix-en-Provence.

A brief summary to Saint Jean de Malte

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stained glass windows and the interior's luminosity.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Granet Museum to explore art and archeology.
  • Check the parish website for mass schedules and special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Saint-Jean-de-Malte is centrally located in Aix-en-Provence and easily accessible on foot. From the Cours Mirabeau, walk south along Rue d'Italie for approximately 5 minutes. The church will be on your left, at the intersection with Rue Cardinale. The Granet Museum is adjacent to the church.

  • Public Transport

    Aix-en-Provence has a good public bus system. You can take a bus to a stop near Cours Mirabeau and walk south on Rue d'Italie. A single public transport ticket costs approximately €1.01. The bus station is near the train station, about a 10-minute walk to the city center.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Aix-en-Provence. From the city center, a short taxi ride to Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte will cost approximately €8-€10. Taxi fares are based on a pick-up price of €2.10, plus a price per kilometer. Metered taxis are available near most tourist areas.

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Discover more about Saint Jean de Malte

Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte, standing at the corner of Rue d'Italie and Rue Cardinale in Aix-en-Provence, is a testament to architectural innovation and historical significance. Constructed in the 1270s, it holds the distinction of being the first Gothic church in Provence, marking a departure from the region's prevalent Romanesque style. Originally, the site was home to a hospice and chapel established by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of Malta in the 12th century. The church's construction coincided with the Order's presence outside the city walls, amidst olive groves, highlighting its early role as a sanctuary. The Knights Hospitaller, a Roman Catholic Order, established a chapel and hospice on this site in the 12th century. The Gothic church was then constructed in the 13th century, making it the first of its kind in Provence. Throughout its history, Saint-Jean-de-Malte has been closely linked to the aristocracy of Provence, serving as the burial site for the Counts of Provence, underscoring its importance as a symbol of power and prestige. The church's bell tower, erected in 1376, soars to a height of 67 meters, making it the highest point in Aix-en-Provence and a recognizable feature of the city's skyline. In the 17th century, the expansion of Aix-en-Provence led to the incorporation of Saint-Jean-de-Malte within the city limits as part of the Quartier Mazarin. During the French Revolution, the church suffered plunder and the loss of many valuables. However, in the 19th century, restoration efforts brought the church back into use as a parish church, a function it continues to serve under the administration of apostolic monks. Today, visitors can admire the church's stunning stained-glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries, including the window in the apse created by local artists in 1858. The church also houses noteworthy artworks, including paintings by Gilles Garcin and sculptures by Christophe Veyrier, as well as pieces by Jean Armelin, Andre Boisson and others.

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