Grignan Collegial
The History of the “Collegial Saint Sauveur” (Grignan’s Church) is inseparable from that of the castle. It’s construction is related to the renewal of the old medieval castle commencing at the beginning of the 16th Century by the Adhémar family, which created the spectacular structure. Around 1530, the church was considered too small for the monks religious services, and the Collegial was build between 1535 and 1539 on the demand of the Baron Louis Adhémar, against the platform supporting the castle. Religious wars caused some damage during the period 1562 to 1568. In 1654, Grignan’s Comte Louis Adhémar made a new façade, and, 26 years later, the terrace was built on the Church roof. Around 1665, an admirable organ was built by Charles le Royer (from Namur). Madame de Sévigné died in Grignan’s Castle in April 1696: her tomb as well as the Adhémar family one is situated under the Church choir. The tomb was violated on 13 September 1793, and the monks Chapter was dissolved during the Revolution in 1789. The Castle was nearly totally destroyed, and rebuilt at the beginning of this Century, the Collegial is the Grignan’s only monument to cross the History until today without experiencing major damage. Today, this place of worship and memory is in desperate need of restoration.
LE CLAIR DE PLUME - PLACE DU MAIL- GRIGNAN - PROVENCE - FRANCE
Tel: +33 (0)4 75 91 81 30 - Fax: +33 (0)4 75 91 81 31 - Email: plume2@wanadoo.fr
