Couvent Sainte Claire de Perpignan, Historic convent in Perpignan, France
The Couvent Sainte Claire de Perpignan is a religious structure featuring a single-nave church with a quadrangular choir and side chapels. The building includes a cloister with two covered galleries distinguished by simple rounded arches.
The convent was constructed in 1548 with funding from Charles V and served as a religious center for centuries. During the French Revolution, it was confiscated in 1792 and functioned as a civil prison until 1989.
The convent houses the National Documentation Center for French People from Algeria since 2012, preserving important historical records and documents.
The building is located on Rue Général Derroja and opens to visitors primarily during Heritage Days celebrations. Check ahead for opening times, as regular access outside these special events may vary.
The choir wall preserves murals from the 17th century, reflecting the artistic aspirations of the community. Many windows retain metal bars from its period as a prison, creating a visible reminder of this chapter in its history.
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