Temple Saint-Ruf, Protestant temple in Valence, France.
Temple Saint-Ruf occupies a former Catholic church on rue Saint-James, visible outside only through its classical facade: a round-arched portal between fluted pilasters under a plain triangular pediment, with two arched windows flanking an oculus above. Inside, a single barrel-vaulted nave of five bays leads to a choir clad in marble and a semi-circular apse lit by three arched windows, its vault decorated in gold.
Built from 1100 as the church of Saint-Jacme, a priory of the canons of Saint-Ruf Abbey in Avignon under Bishop Bernard, it was rebuilt from the 17th century on the old foundations in Baroque style with a new facade. During the Revolution it became a grain store, an electoral hall and the temple of Reason; a decree of 1806 assigned it to the Reformed worship.
The temple houses a monument containing the heart of General Jean-Etienne Championnet, displayed in an urn within the apse since 1800.
The building is normally open to visitors during worship times, allowing a view of its interior space. Accessibility for people with mobility limitations is limited, so visitors with specific needs should plan accordingly.
Inside the building sits an urn containing the heart of General Jean-Étienne Championnet, preserved in the apse since 1800. This unusual relic serves as a quiet memorial to a notable French military leader.
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