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Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs: A Sanctuary of History and Art

Discover Avignon's Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, a historic chapel transformed into a vibrant venue for arts and culture.

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The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs in Avignon is a captivating chapel with a rich history. Originally a 14th-century Dominican convent, it became the chapel for the White Penitents in the early 19th century and now serves as a venue for performing arts and cultural events.

A brief summary to Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs

Local tips

  • Check the Festival d'Avignon schedule for performances at the chapel, especially if you're interested in family-friendly shows.
  • Explore the Place de la Principale, where the chapel is located, to soak in the atmosphere of Avignon.
  • Note that the chapel's primary function is now a performance venue, so access may be limited outside of scheduled events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs is located on Place de la Principale in Avignon. From the Palais des Papes, walk east along Place du Palais, then turn right onto Rue de la Petite Fusterie. Continue onto Rue de la Grande Fusterie, then turn left onto Rue de la Principale. The chapel will be on your left. This is a short walk, approximately 5-7 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Avignon's city buses are operated by TCRA/Orizo. Several bus lines serve the area around Place de la Principale. Check the Orizo website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket costs €1.40.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Avignon. You can find taxi ranks at the train stations and Place Pie. A short taxi ride from the Avignon Centre train station to the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs will cost approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs

The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, nestled in Avignon, boasts a storied past that intertwines religious heritage with artistic expression. Constructed in the 14th century as the Église Notre-Dame-la-Principale, it later transformed into a Dominican convent. In the early 19th century, it became the chapel of the White Penitents, a lay confraternity dedicated to penitence and charitable works. Throughout its history, the chapel has undergone numerous architectural modifications. Today, it serves as a performance space for the Festival d'Avignon and the Institut Supérieur des Techniques du Spectacle (ISTS). Since 2014, under the direction of Olivier Py, the chapel has been particularly dedicated to hosting performances for young audiences during the Festival d'Avignon. The chapel stands on Place de la Principale, inviting visitors to explore its serene ambiance and appreciate its unique blend of historical and artistic significance. While its architecture may not be as grandiose as some other religious structures, its importance lies in its layered history and its current role as a vibrant cultural hub. The building is a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and artistic expression throughout the centuries.

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