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St Martial Temple: A Historical Sanctuary in Avignon

Discover Avignon's St Martial Temple: a serene sanctuary with a rich history, from monastery to cultural hub to Protestant church.

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The St Martial Temple, located in Avignon, France, is a Protestant church with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally a monastery and school for Benedictine monks, it has served various purposes throughout the centuries, including a museum and a college, before becoming a Protestant church in 1881.

A brief summary to St Martial Temple

Local tips

  • Attend a Sunday service at 10:00 AM to experience the temple as a place of worship.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the stained-glass windows and the building's architecture.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the charming streets of Avignon.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The St Martial Temple is located at 2 Rue Jean Henri Fabre, in the heart of Avignon. From the Palais des Papes, walk southeast along Rue de la Republique for about 10 minutes. Turn left onto Rue Jean Henri Fabre; the temple will be on your right. This walk is approximately 0.5 miles and should take about 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach St. Martial Temple by public transport from the Avignon Centre train station, exit the station and walk towards Cours Jean Jaurès. Take bus line 2 towards Avignon Centre and disembark at the 'Jean Jaurès' stop. Walk straight for about 5 minutes along Rue de la République until you reach Rue Jean Henri Fabre. Turn left, and the Temple will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs €1.40.

  • Taxi

    From Avignon Centre train station, a taxi to St Martial Temple will cost approximately €7-€10. The journey is short, typically taking around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the train station.

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Discover more about St Martial Temple

Nestled in the historic city of Avignon, the St Martial Temple stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and religious heritage. Constructed in the 14th century (completed in 1388), the building initially served as a monastery and school for Benedictine monks from Cluny. The temple's architecture showcases the Gothic style prevalent during that era, though it has undergone several transformations throughout its history. Over the centuries, the building has been expanded and repurposed. Following the French Revolution, it was abandoned and later used as the Calvet Museum and the Natural History Museum. Notably, the renowned entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre, also a lecturer and poet Stéphane Mallarmé, curated the Natural History Museum within its walls. It also functioned as a Teachers' College, Post Office, and Tourism Office. In 1881, the building was given to the Protestant community and became part of the United Protestant Church of France. Today, the St Martial Temple provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork while experiencing the serene atmosphere. The temple is an active place of worship, with liturgical services held every Sunday. Its multifaceted past and stunning architecture make it a historically significant landmark.

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