Église des Carmes de Perpignan, Medieval Gothic church in historic Perpignan, France.
The église des Carmes de Perpignan is a medieval Gothic church featuring a single nave extending through eight bays with side chapels, ending in a polygonal chevet. The structure is supported by brick cross-ribbed vaults with stone ribs.
The church was built in the 14th century by the Carmelites and later served various practical purposes beyond its religious function. A fire in 1944 during the Liberation caused damage while the building was being used as a storage facility.
The marble portals display carved capitals featuring fantastic animals, reflecting the artistic skill of medieval sculptors who worked in this region. These decorative elements show how local craftsmen expressed their creativity within religious spaces.
The church is located on rue Jean Vielledent in the historic districts of Perpignan, making it accessible to visitors interested in medieval religious architecture. Its position in the city center allows for easy exploration combined with nearby historical sites.
A 15th-century crypt discovered beneath the chevet contains brick vaulting with stone ribs and features polychrome decorated burial recesses. This hidden chamber reveals how burial spaces were designed and decorated within medieval monastic churches.
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