Vaison-la-Romaine Cathedral 
View of Vaison-la-Romaine Cathedral from northwest.
Detail of west facade.
View of an apsidal chapel from southeast.
Interior of the cathedral, looking west to the entrance.
Nave and vault, looking southeast.
Apse looking north, with tombs, shrine and throne.
The lovely small cloister and bell tower.
Carved capital in the cloister.
Detail of another capital in the cloister.
Mystical inscription in the cloister.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth (Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth) in the Provencal town of Vaison-la-Romaine dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. Although somewhat austere, it has many details of interest, including a long mystical inscription and a lovely cloister.
History
Christianity has been practiced in Vaison-la-Romaine since at least the late 3rd century and the Christian community had a bishop by 314, when Daphnus was recorded attending the Council of Arles.
The cathedral of Vaison was built on the ruins of a Roman temple, the remains of which can be seen outside the chevet. More than one church has existed on this site; a 6th-century basilica was destroyed by Frankish invaders.
The present building dates primarily from the 11th and 12th centuries. After a dispute with the Count of Toulouse in the late 12th century, the medieval city of Vaison was mostly abandoned for the new town. Today, little remains of the extensive medieval city except for the cathedral.
What to See
The exterior is austere but nevertheless a beautiful sight, thanks to the lovely landscaped garden with Mediterranean trees that surrounds the cathedral. The gable of the west facade has some interesting architectural details, including a triangle surrounding a sun.
At the east end is a rectangular apse (though semicircular inside) flanked by two round apsidal chapels. Remains of a Roman temple have been excavated next to the apse. A stout and square bell tower rises at the northeast corner of the building.
The interior consists of a wide nave with narrow sides, all barrel-vaulted. The nave has three wide bays, supported by great pillars on which a variety of masons' marks can be seen. There is no transept, but the crossing area is covered by an octagonal cupola with sculptures of the Four Evangelists.
The apse is the most interesting aspect of the interior. Behind a simple stone altar, on a lower level than the nave, is the medieval bishop's throne and three semicircular benches for the canons. In front of the throne is an old sarcophagus containing the relics of St. Quenin (d. 578). The apse also contains several tomb niches of various styles and some reliquaries and statues.
Cloister
The cloister of Vaison-la-Romaine's cathedral, dating primarily from the mid-12th century, is a peaceful space with a lush central garden. The canons' buildings, such as the refectory and dormitory, have disappeared and many of the capitals were restored in the 19th century, but the cloister retains its medieval appearance and atmosphere. Most of the capitals are carved with foliage and vines, but some have charming creatures and human faces.
From the cloister, there is an excellent view of the north side of the cathedral, which is inscribed with this mystical exhortation in Latin:
OBSECRO VOS FRATRES AQVILONIS VINCITE PARTES SECTANTES CLAVSTRVM QVIA VENEETIS AD AVSTRVM TRIFIDA QVADRIFIDVM MEMORET SVCCENDERE NIDVM IGNEA BISSENIS LAPIDVM SIT VT ADDITA VENIS PAX HVIC DOMVI.
I urge you, brothers, to defeat the party of the north [refuge of demons], to faithfully preserve the rule of the cloister, because then you will arrive at Noon [Christ]; by the divine triple fire [theological virtues] do not forget to kiss the square [the cloister] so that it enlivens the living stones of twice the number six [12 canons]. Peace to this house.
The cloister contains a small lapidary museum that displays inscriptions and artifacts dating back to the Early Christian era.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Vaison-la-Romaine Cathedral; Cathedrale de Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth; Notre-Dame de Vaison-la-Romaine |
| Location: | Vaison-la-Romaine, Provence, France |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary (of Nazareth) |
| Categories: | Cathedrals; Museums |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Date: | 11th-12th century |
| Features: | Cloister; Romanesque Sculpture |
| Status: | active |
| Photo gallery: | Vaison-la-Romaine Cathedral Photo Gallery |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Avenue Joseph Mazen, Vaison-la-Romaine, France |
| Coordinates: | 44.242828° N, 5.067937° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Website: | www.vaison-la-romaine.com/spip.php?article74 |
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
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Vaison-la-Romaine Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Vaison-la-Romaine Map.
Article Sources
- Personal visit (June 17, 2008).
- Paul Stirton, Blue Guide Provence and the Cote D'Azur, 2nd ed. (London: A&C Black Publishers Limited, 2003), 144.
- Informational sign at the Chapelle St-Quenin.
- Notre Dame de Nazareth - Vaison-la-Romaine.com
- Les Chemins de la Provence Romane, 66-67.
Last updated on August 26, 2010.
