Chapelle St-Quenin, Vaison-la-Romaine 
West facade of the Chapelle St-Quenin, Vaison-la-Romaine.
North transept of the chapel.
The unusual triangular apse of St-Quenin.
Sculpture on the corner of the south transept.
Corinthian capital with human mask on the apse.
Carved capital on the apse, depicting on a struggle.
Location map and aerial view of Chapelle St-Quenin. For a larger interactive view, see our Vaison-la-Romaine Map.
The Chapel of St. Quenin (Chapelle St-Quenin) is an unusual Romanesque chapel in the Provençal town of Vaison-la-Romaine. Dating from the 12th century but long thought to be older, it has a triangular apse decorated with a carved frieze.
History
There have been Christians in Vaison since at least the late 3rd century AD (for more details, see our article on Vaison-la-Romaine Cathedral). This chapel near the old burial ground is dedicated to Saint Quenin, a bishop of Vaison (556-78) who was canonized in 1205.
What to See
The highlight of the chapel is the unusual triangular apse, which is elegantly decorated with fluted pilasters topped with Corinthian capitals. Two of them have human figures: one just a face among foliage; the other showing a man with a large knife struggling with an animal.
The top of the apse and transepts is decorated with a lovely frieze assembled from ancient Roman panels. The cornice is also in a Classical style, with an egg-and-dart pattern. It's no wonder the chapel itself was long believed to date from Roman times.
In contrast, the flat west facade is very plain. Restored in the 17th century by Bishop Jean Marie de Suares, it bears his coat of arms in a bas-relief over the door.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Chapelle St-Quenin; Chapel of St. Quenin |
| Location: | Vaison-la-Romaine, Provence, France |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | St. Quenin |
| Category: | Churches |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Date: | 13th century |
| Features: | Romanesque Sculpture |
| Photo gallery: | Chapelle St-Quenin Photo Gallery (for viewing) |
| Stock photos: | Chapelle St-Quenin Stock Photos (for licensing) |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Avenue Saint-Quenin, Vaison-la-Romaine 84110, France |
| Coordinates: | 44.244319° N, 5.068624° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Parking: | Free parking spots next to the chapel |
Travel Resources
- Vaison-la-Romaine Map - our detailed interactive map of Vaison-la-Romaine, plus hand-picked links to more
- Vaison-la-Romaine Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
Article Sources
- Personal visit (June 17, 2008).
- Informational sign at the site.
- Paul Stirton, Blue Guide Provence and the Cote D'Azur, 2nd ed. (London: A&C Black Publishers Limited, 2003), 144.
- Vaison-la-Romaine - art-roman.net
Last updated on August 2, 2010.
