Collégiale de Bédouès, Medieval collegiate church in Bédouès-Cocurès, France.
The Collégiale de Bédouès is a church building with a Greek cross layout, constructed from schist stone that gives it a distinctive local character. The structure houses both a sanctuary for worship and residential spaces for the canons on upper levels.
Pope Urban V ordered the construction of this church in 1363 through a papal bull, seeking to create a burial place for his parents in his native region. The building later underwent significant transformations during the religious conflicts of the 16th century.
The entrance tympanum displays the coat of arms of Pope Urban V, showing how strongly this church was connected to one of the most powerful religious figures of its time. The stone carving serves as a permanent reminder of his patronage and the importance he placed on his birthplace.
The church can be visited during regular opening hours, with guided tours available for those who wish to learn more. Plan your visit in advance since the location sits in a mountainous area where weather can change quickly.
The building was transformed from a Latin cross layout to a Greek cross following partial destruction during the 16th century, an unusual architectural change that reflects its turbulent past. This reshaping demonstrates how the structure had to adapt to new requirements and circumstances.
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