Historical sites Aigues-Mortes

1 historical sites

1.1 tower of constance , ramparts
1.2 carbonnière tower
1.3 church of notre-dame-des-sablons
1.4 chapel of gray penitents
1.5 chapel of white penitents
1.6 saint-louis square
1.7 plan des theatres

historical sites

aigues-mortes has large number of sites registered historical monuments. compete list of buildings registered historical monuments can seen on mérimée here while complete list of items registered historical objects can seen on palissy here (all in french).

the tower of constance , ramparts

tower of constance

the tower of constance built in 1242 saint-louis on former site of matafère tower built charlemagne around 790ad house king s garrison. construction completed in 1254.

it 22 metres in diameter height of either 33 or 40 metres depending on source. thickness of walls @ base 6 metres.

on ground floor, there guardroom protected portcullis. in middle of room, there circular opening leading cellar served pantry, storage of ammunition dungeons. these areas called culs de basse fosse , old way of saying underground dungeons in french.

on first floor, there knight s hall. structurally similar guardroom. in room protestants imprisoned during 18th century, notably marie durand, engraved word résister (english: resist) edge of can seen day. imprisoned @ age of 15, , freed 38 years later, along political prisoners such abraham mazel, leader of camisards.

between these 2 rooms, narrow, covered way built within walls keep watch on room below.

after knight s hall, there entrance terrace offers wide panoramic view of region, making ideal position surveillance. sometimes, prisoners allowed go on terrace fresh air.

the ramparts stretch distance of 1650 metres. spectacular in height , state of preservation though not restored in 19th century, carcassonne example, remain in preserved state. along tower of constance, testimony western european military architecture in marshlands during 13th , 14th centuries.

panoramic view of ramparts south-east @ coast




























































the carbonnière tower

the carbonnière tower

located in commune of saint-laurent-d aigouze, carbonnière tower first referred in old text 1346 specifying function of structure. said, fortress key kingdom in region. surrounded salt marshes, fortress passageway aigues-mortes. guarded garrison made of châtelain , several guards. terrace, support 4 cannons, there panoramic view of petite camargue.

the church of notre-dame-des-sablons

the church of notre-dame-des-sablons gothic-style church , built before ramparts in mid-13th century during time of saint-louis. in 1537 served collegiate church later vandalized protestants in 1575. after reconstruction of bell tower in 1634 later served temple of reason during french revolution, barracks, grain merchant, , salt warehouse. re-established place of worship in 1804 , building restored in neo classical-baroque style. between 1964 , 1967 of 19th century decor removed, notably coffered ceilings, resulting in more basic , medieval style church see today. since 1991, stained-glass windows claude viallat, contemporary artist belonging supports/surfaces art movement, add extraordinary light , colour building. exception of few statues, rest of 18th , 19th century furniture disappeared during period. façade crowned simple bell-gable housing 3 bells. largest of 3 1.07 metres in diameter. dated 1740, cast master smelter jean poutingon, , has been designated historical monument of france. church houses statue of saint-louis.

the chapel of gray penitents

the chapel of gray penitents located east of place de la viguerie. property of brotherhood of grey penitents established in 1400. facade in style of louis xiv. entrance door 17th century , decorated wooden statue. altarpiece carved in 1687 sabatier.

inside, altarpiece represents passion of christ. built of gray stucco plaster in 1687 sculptor sabatier montpellier. altar, on arms of brotherhood, occupies of choir.

the chapel of white penitents

the chapel of white penitents located @ corner of rue de la république , rue louis blanc. belongs brotherhood of white penitents created in 1622.

above choir, on roof, there copy of retable of jerusalem christ celebrated passover , holy thursday apostles. around high altar, painting on canvas traces descent of holy spirit on day of pentecost. attributed xavier sigalon painter born in uzès in 1778 . on each side of choir stand 2 statues: on left saint felix redemption of captives, on right james, son of alphaeus, first bishop of jerusalem.

saint-louis square

statue of saint-louis

this touristic heart of city. in centre, opposite main entrance of porte de la gardette, stands statue of saint-louis, work of james pradier in 1849.

plan des theatres

the plan des theatres arenas camargue bullfights. listed in 1993 on inventory of list of historic monuments (mh) ethnological , cultural interest. can accommodate more 600 people.