Eglise Saint-Agricol (Church of St. Agricola), Avignon
The Collegiate Church of Saint Agricola in Avignon stands as one of the city's oldest places of worship, second only to Notre Dame des Doms. Situated in the Fustiers quarter, this historic church was built in the early 1300s on the site of an older temple dating back to between 660 and 700. This original temple was founded by Saint Agricola, a seventh-century bishop known as the protector of crops, who is also one of the patron saints of Avignon. His relics are preserved in the church, which holds a special place in the hearts of the Avignonnais.
The abbey of Saint Agricola is mentioned in documents from the late 11th century, but the current three-story Gothic structure was erected in 1321. A year later, in 1322, Pope John XXII elevated it to a collegiate church and established a chapter of canons. Notably, it is the only 14th-century church in Avignon with side aisles, and over time, it underwent significant modifications. The late 15th century saw the rebuilding of the vaults in 1485, followed by expansions of the bay and nave, and the addition of statues by Ferrier Bernard to the façade. The construction of the bell tower began in 1537, but it was only completed in 1746 with the addition of two more floors.
Following the French Revolution, the church regained its status in 1802 when it was consecrated as a cathedral by the bishop, pending the restoration of the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral. Today, the church’s Gothic style has been preserved, and it has been listed as a historic monument since 1980. A restoration in 2012 revitalized the building, allowing visitors to appreciate its ancient tombs, epitaphs, inscriptions, and notable paintings by artists such as Simon de Châlons, Grève, and Nicolas Mignard.
The abbey of Saint Agricola is mentioned in documents from the late 11th century, but the current three-story Gothic structure was erected in 1321. A year later, in 1322, Pope John XXII elevated it to a collegiate church and established a chapter of canons. Notably, it is the only 14th-century church in Avignon with side aisles, and over time, it underwent significant modifications. The late 15th century saw the rebuilding of the vaults in 1485, followed by expansions of the bay and nave, and the addition of statues by Ferrier Bernard to the façade. The construction of the bell tower began in 1537, but it was only completed in 1746 with the addition of two more floors.
Following the French Revolution, the church regained its status in 1802 when it was consecrated as a cathedral by the bishop, pending the restoration of the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral. Today, the church’s Gothic style has been preserved, and it has been listed as a historic monument since 1980. A restoration in 2012 revitalized the building, allowing visitors to appreciate its ancient tombs, epitaphs, inscriptions, and notable paintings by artists such as Simon de Châlons, Grève, and Nicolas Mignard.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Avignon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Eglise Saint-Agricol (Church of St. Agricola) on Map
Sight Name: Eglise Saint-Agricol (Church of St. Agricola)
Sight Location: Avignon, France (See walking tours in Avignon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Avignon, France (See walking tours in Avignon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Avignon, France
Create Your Own Walk in Avignon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Avignon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Avignon's Architectural Jewels
Centuries of history in Avignon are well seen in the stones of some of France’s best preserved architectural monuments. The city's architecture may well not be as diverse as elsewhere in the country, but it is really difficult to find another place whose history is just as complicated and dynamic as Avignon's.
Being one of only two cities on earth that can claim to be the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Being one of only two cities on earth that can claim to be the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Avignon Introduction Walking Tour
The thing about a wall around a city is to keep unwanted visitors out. But the massive walls encircling Avignon tend to keep visitors in. And the visitors don't mind it. Is this a mystery? Not when one considers what is inside the walls of Avignon. And forget driving. Park the car and walk.
First encounter is the Popes' Palace. This awesome mountain of a palace was built in the 1300s.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
First encounter is the Popes' Palace. This awesome mountain of a palace was built in the 1300s.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles