Temple du Saint-Esprit, Protestant church in historic Besançon, France

The Temple du Saint-Esprit is a former hospital building from the 13th century that now functions as a Reformed place of worship. It displays Gothic features including ribbed vaults, tall walls, and narrow windows that are typical of medieval religious architecture.

The building was founded in 1207 as a hospital under the Order of the Holy Spirit to care for patients, travelers, and orphans. In 1842 it was transformed into a Protestant temple, marking a turning point for the Reformed community in the city.

The name reflects the theological importance of the Holy Spirit in Protestant faith and practice. Converting a former Catholic hospital into a Reformed place of worship shows how religious acceptance gradually grew in the city over time.

The temple is located on Rue Goudimel and welcomes visitors, especially during services when the interior is most accessible. The courtyard is worth exploring to see all the architectural details and understand how the space evolved over centuries.

The entrance porch on the left corner is a 19th-century addition: architect Alphonse Delacroix replaced the old portal with this pointed-arch structure in 1841. Look above the arch for the band of carved heads and the slender central column dividing the opening.