Couvent des Cordeliers de Forcalquier, Medieval Franciscan convent in Forcalquier, France
The Couvent des Cordeliers is a Franciscan monastery in Forcalquier featuring a Gothic cloister dating to the 14th century. It contains multiple monastic rooms, a secondary chapel from the 15th century, and a medieval garden with preserved furnishings and religious sculptures.
The monastery was founded in 1236 on the site of a former Benedictine priory and received support from Raymond Berenger V, Count of Provence. This made it a significant religious center in the region throughout the medieval period.
The chapel contains carved wooden statues from the 15th century, including a Virgin and Child. These religious artworks show the craftsmanship of the monks who once lived and worshipped within these walls.
The monastery is located in Forcalquier and currently houses the European University of Scents and Flavors. It is easily accessible, and visitors should allow time to explore the cloister, chapel, and medieval garden at a leisurely pace.
The monastery's scriptorium preserves its original ceiling and reveals the careful craftsmanship monks applied to their daily manuscript work. These rooms offer insight into the intellectual labor that took place within the walls.
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