Eglise Saint-Agricol (Church of St. Agricola), Avignon

The Collegiate Church of Saint Agricola in Avignon stands as one of the city's oldest places of worship, second only to Notre Dame des Doms. Situated in the Fustiers quarter, this historic church was built in the early 1300s on the site of an older temple dating back to between 660 and 700. This original temple was founded by Saint Agricola, a seventh-century bishop known as the protector of crops, who is also one of the patron saints of Avignon. His relics are preserved in the church, which holds a special place in the hearts of the Avignonnais.

The abbey of Saint Agricola is mentioned in documents from the late 11th century, but the current three-story Gothic structure was erected in 1321. A year later, in 1322, Pope John XXII elevated it to a collegiate church and established a chapter of canons. Notably, it is the only 14th-century church in Avignon with side aisles, and over time, it underwent significant modifications. The late 15th century saw the rebuilding of the vaults in 1485, followed by expansions of the bay and nave, and the addition of statues by Ferrier Bernard to the façade. The construction of the bell tower began in 1537, but it was only completed in 1746 with the addition of two more floors.

Following the French Revolution, the church regained its status in 1802 when it was consecrated as a cathedral by the bishop, pending the restoration of the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral. Today, the church’s Gothic style has been preserved, and it has been listed as a historic monument since 1980. A restoration in 2012 revitalized the building, allowing visitors to appreciate its ancient tombs, epitaphs, inscriptions, and notable paintings by artists such as Simon de Châlons, Grève, and Nicolas Mignard.