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Notre-Dame de Nazareth Church, Vaison la Romaine
Romanesque style church built over early Christian buildings
This church lies at the centre of what was the old Medieval village of Vaison la Romaine. It was built in the 11th century over the remains of early Christian buildings.
It's a good example of Romanesque - Provencal style church with parts of the older sections being re-used in the building you can see today.
Part of the site includes the cloisters with four galleries and arches surrounding the garden in the centre. Peripheral buildings such as the dormitories and chapter house around the cloister have long since disappeared.
In the second half of the 12th century, the church and the town were looted and many of its artefacts were stolen. The Medieval town was finally abandoned for the newer town nearby.
Visitor comments
- "Interesting Romanesque Cathedral in Vaison-la-Romaine. The Cathedral, which dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, is built on the ruins of a Roman temple, which you can see on the outside of the church near the altar." - Trip Advisor
- "Although the interior of this cathedral is rather less impressive than most in terms of artwork etc, it is worth seeing nevertheless to take in the stark, minimalistic style of the building and the fact that it contains stonework from Roman times." - Trip Advisor
- "Here you can see how the Christians used pillars and other stones of the Romans as fundament of their church. Not to miss before or after the visit of the Roman site." - Trip Advisor
