The Many Lives of a Church
L'Eglise Notre Dame de la Major
Arles
France
In Roman times there was a temple on the crest of the hill, which is next to the coliseum. The site has been occupied by a Roman Catholic church since the first one was consecrated during the fifth century AD. Work on the the present Romanesque-Gothic collegiate
church started in the 12th century AD; and many additions and changes were made over the next centuries, including the bell tower and spire seen in this image.
It was the parish of the municipal authorities during the 17th and 18th centuries, serving ten canons before the Revolution. It was attached to the parish of Saint Julien on June 17, 1791, then closed on March 9,1794. It was reestablished after the Concordat.
After having housed the brotherhood of Saint Véran (patron saint of shepherds), it is now the headquarters of the brotherhood of the guardians of Saint-Georges, also known as the cowboys of Camargue, They pay homage to their patron saint Georges every May 1st, the date on which they come on pilgrimage to have their horses blessed.
Thanks for stopping by!
© Melissa Post 2024
The Many Lives of a Church
L'Eglise Notre Dame de la Major
Arles
France
In Roman times there was a temple on the crest of the hill, which is next to the coliseum. The site has been occupied by a Roman Catholic church since the first one was consecrated during the fifth century AD. Work on the the present Romanesque-Gothic collegiate
church started in the 12th century AD; and many additions and changes were made over the next centuries, including the bell tower and spire seen in this image.
It was the parish of the municipal authorities during the 17th and 18th centuries, serving ten canons before the Revolution. It was attached to the parish of Saint Julien on June 17, 1791, then closed on March 9,1794. It was reestablished after the Concordat.
After having housed the brotherhood of Saint Véran (patron saint of shepherds), it is now the headquarters of the brotherhood of the guardians of Saint-Georges, also known as the cowboys of Camargue, They pay homage to their patron saint Georges every May 1st, the date on which they come on pilgrimage to have their horses blessed.
Thanks for stopping by!
© Melissa Post 2024