category of places

Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs

About

The Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs is one of Avignon’s most atmospheric sacred sites, built in the 16th century by the confraternity of the Black Penitents. Its façade is discreet, but inside the chapel reveals a rich Baroque interior adorned with gilded woodwork, paintings, and sculpted altars that reflect the devotion and artistry of the brotherhood. The Penitents were known for their charitable works and solemn rituals, and the chapel became a spiritual center for the community. Today, it stands as a monument to faith and tradition, preserving centuries of religious practice within its walls. Visitors are struck by the intimate scale of the building, the play of light on its ornate decoration, and the sense of continuity that links past worshippers with the present. More than a historic monument, the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs embodies Avignon’s enduring blend of spirituality, art, and cultural memory.

Avignon France

Location

Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs is a 17th-century Baroque chapel located at 57 Rue de la Banasterie in the heart of Avignon's UNESCO-listed historic centre, on the left bank of the Rhône River in Provence, southeastern France. Originally founded in 1586 by the Brotherhood of Black Penitents near Porte Aurose, it features ornate woodwork, gilded decorations, and a facade with sculptures of Saint John the Baptist, serving as a historic monument and active place of worship. Nearby attractions include the Church of Saint-Agricol just steps away, Place de l'Horloge with cafés and shops, Palais des Papes a short walk uphill, city ramparts, Collection Lambert museum, and the Rhône quays leading to Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs

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