The Collégiale St Jean-Baptiste et St Jean l'Evangéliste, built in the 14th century in the Southern Gothic style, stands proudly outside the walls on the Jardin du Roi in Roquemaure.
Originally a fortified church, its present bell tower was once a watchtower, bearing witness to its defensive past. Its massive, buttressed exterior belies the grace of its slender interior.
Commissioned by Cardinal Bertrand de Pouget, construction began in 1329, and in 1346 the church was elevated to the rank of collegiate church. It housed ten canons in the rue du chapitre, linked to the collegiate church by a bridge.
A tower houses a spiral staircase, enabling ecclesiastics to access the bridge. At the entrance to the church stands a baptismal font from the former church of Sainte Marie du Château, restored in the 17th century.
The collegiate church houses the relics of Saint Valentine, which arrived in 1868 and, according to legend, have been protecting the vines ever since.
Inside, an artistic treasure trove unfolds with a multitude of high-quality paintings, some attributed to prestigious schools such as Caravaggio and Velasquez. Nineteenth-century stained-glass windows add a touch of light and color, highlighting the presence of saints such as Saint Ludivicus, who is none other than Saint Louis.
The baroque organ, dating from 1690 and listed as a historic monument, still resonates with the melodies of the famous "Minuit chrétien", whose words were written by a native of Roquemaure, Placide Cappeau, and set to music by Mr. Adam. The first performance took place in 1847, with Mme Laurey, wife of the Parisian engineer Mr Laurey, associated with the construction of the suspension bridge and a friend of Cappeau. Website
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Here are some little-known facts and legends associated with the Collegiate Church of Roquemaure:
The Saint Valentin legend: According to local legend, the relics of Saint Valentin, which have been kept in the collegiate church since 1868, have the power to protect the region's vines. This belief developed after the relics were acquired by a wealthy vineyard owner, and since then many local winegrowers have regarded Saint Valentin as their protector.
The Mysteries of the Baroque Organ: The collegiate church's Baroque organ, built in 1690 by the Julien brothers in Marseille, may hold hidden secrets. Over the centuries, this instrument may have witnessed many historical and musical events, but some stories claim that it may also harbor mysteries or objects hidden by the musicians or craftsmen who built it.
Le Fantôme de la Tour de Guet: Rumors circulate about the presence of a ghost in the watchtower that has become the collegiate church's bell tower. According to some accounts, the ghost is that of a former guard or soldier who once defended the castle. Witnesses claim to have heard strange noises or seen fleeting shadows in the tower's dark corridors, fuelling local legends.
Hidden treasures: Like many ancient buildings, the collegiate church may contain hidden treasures or secret passages. Some legends suggest the existence of underground tunnels linking the collegiate church to other buildings or mysterious places in the surrounding area. These stories have fueled the imaginations of treasure seekers and local history buffs for generations.
Supernatural events: Over the centuries, many strange or inexplicable events have been reported in and around the collegiate church. Witnesses have described paranormal phenomena such as inexplicable noises, ghostly apparitions or sensations of unusual presence. These accounts contribute to the mysterious atmosphere that surrounds this place steeped in history and spirituality.
