Eglise Saint-Agricol (Church of St. Agricola), Avignon

After Notre Dame des Doms, the Collegiate Church of St Agricola is the oldest standing place of worship in Avignon. It was built in the early 1300s in the Fustiers quarter, on the site of an older temple constructed sometime between 660 and 700 by Saint Agricola, known as the protector of crops. It is probably for this reason that most Avignonnais hold this place dear to their hearts, as this seventh-century bishop is also one of the patron saints of the city, whose relics are kept in the church named in his honour.

The abbey of St Agricola appears in texts from the late 11th century. As for the three-story church, it was erected in 1321, and was elevated to the rank of a collegiate church by Pope John XXII. In 1322, a chapter of canons was instituted here.

Being the only 14th-century church with side aisles, over the following decades it had seen much modification. Initially, in the late 15th century, it had the vaults rebuilt (in 1485), followed by the bay and nave enlargement, and then the facade augmented with statues by Ferrier Bernard. Finally, in 1537, it had the bell tower started, to be completed only in 1746 when two more floors had been added.

After the French Revolution, the church was restored in its status in 1802 by the bishop, who then consecrated it as a cathedral, pending the rehabilitation of the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral in Avignon.

The current Gothic-style building has been listed as a historic monument since 1980. In 2012, it was restored.

Among the many things to be seen here are the ancient tombs, epitaphs and inscriptions, as well as the paintings by Simon de Châlons, Grève and Nicolas Mignard.