Protestant temple of Orléans, Protestant church in Orléans, France.
The Protestant Temple of Orléans is a church building with a distinctive circular central plan topped by a lowered concrete dome. Cast iron columns support the gallery that runs around the interior space, creating a cohesive structure.
The building was constructed between 1836 and 1839 by architect François-Narcisse Pagot on the site of a demolished medieval church. Its creation marks a period when Protestants in France could again freely build their own places of worship.
The temple serves as an active place of worship for the local Protestant community and hosts regular religious services throughout the year. You can see how the space is organized around the pulpit, reflecting the importance of preaching in Protestant tradition.
The temple is located in the old town near the cathedral and welcomes visitors to explore the interior space and architecture at no charge. Walking around the neighborhood gives you a good sense of its place within the wider cityscape.
During World War II, an orphanage director named Coralie Beluse sheltered Jewish children within the temple walls, risking her own safety to protect them. Her heroic actions were later recognized when she received the title of Righteous Among Nations.
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