ST. BARNARD'S COLLEGE
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A Benedictine abbey founded in 838, now a magnificent collegiate church combining Romanesque and Gothic styles.
In 838, Saint Barnard, archbishop of Vienne, founded a Benedictine abbey on the banks of the Isère river, around which the future city would develop. The imposing collegiate church, combining Romanesque vestiges and Gothic architecture, is among the most beautiful religious buildings in the region. Among its treasures, a hanging of the Passion of Christ and the remains of the porch with its 12th century "column statues". In 2000, six contemporary figurative stained glass windows were installed on the western façade to replace those destroyed during the Second World War. They were created by the German artist Georg Ettel in collaboration with the Valence workshop Thomas Vitraux and depict the Apocalypse of the Apostle John. In the choir, 14th century murals are remarkable for their colors, geometric patterns and figurative representations. The large sacristy houses superb 18th century walnut woodwork and numerous objects of sacred art. Temporary exhibitions and concerts are held several times a year in this building. Guided tours are available for groups and individuals. In summer, every weekend, the sacristy and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament (to see the hangings) are accessible to the public. For guided tours, please refer to the program "Rendez vous Valence Romans Agglo" published by the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire. Restoration campaigns are underway to repair the damage caused by hail in 2019 (stained glass windows of the entrance and organ).
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