Verdun in Meuse, Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne, France — Western Europe
Chapel Saint Nicolas/Chapelle Saint-Nicolas
known as “Buvignier” Chapel/dité Chapelle « Buvignier »
| — | 18th-20th centuries/(XVIIIe-XXe ècles) | — |
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 18, 2024
1. Chapelle Saint-Nicolas Marker
Founded on the site of a college created in 1570 by Nicolas Psaume, bishop of Verdun, this chapel takes its name from a medieval hospital, Saint-Nicolas-de-Gravière, whose buildings extended to the banks of the Meuse. Replacing the previous buildings, it was built between 1731 and 1735 by René Maugrain, a Jesuit friar and architect to whom we also owe the chapels of Épinal and Langres.
While the exterior has a richly decorated classical style façade (fire pots, triangular pediment with sculpted tympanum, niches and pilasters topped with Ionic capitals, etc.), the interior is more sober. The chapel Saint-Nicolas was a "hall-church" - the model of which was very widespread in Lorraine religious architecture in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries - that is to say with three naves of equal height, giving a lot of volume to the whole.
Relatively spared during the Great War, the building was a victim of the bombing of 1 September 1944 and its facade still retains the scars of the two world wars. Classified as a Historic Monument on July 2, 1921, the Saint-Nicolas chapel is now deconsecrated and the heart of Nicolas Psaume, which was there until 1990, has joined the rest of his tomb at Notre-Dame de Verdun Cathedral. Owned by the City of Verdun, it now serves as a place for exhibitions and cultural meetings in the heart of the city.
[français]
Fondée à l'emplacement d'un collège créé en 1570 par Nicolas Psaume, évêque de Verdun, cette chapelle tire son nom d'un hôpital médiéval, Saint-Nicolas-de-Gravière, dont l'ensemble s'étendait jusqu'au bord de la Meuse. Remplaçant les édifices antérieurs, elle fut construite entre 1731, et 1735 par René Maugrain, frère jésuite et architecte à qui l'on doit également les chapelles d’Épinal et de Langres.
Si l'extérieur présente une façade de style classique
this page online
Relativement épargné durant la Grande Guerre, l'édifice fut victime du bombardement du 1" septembre 1944 et sa façade conserve encore les stigmates des deux conflits mondiaux. Classée Monument historique le 2 juillet 1921, la chapelle Saint-Nicolas est aujourd'hui désacralisée et le cœur de Nicolas Psaume, qui s'y trouvait jusqu'en 1990, a rejoint le reste de sa sépulture à la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Verdun. Propriété de la Ville de Verdun, elle sert aujourd'hui de lieu d'expositions et de rencontres culturelles en plein cœur de la cité.
Erected by City of Verdun.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1570.
Location. 49° 9.734′ N, 5° 23.085′ E.
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 18, 2024
2. Chapel Saint Nicolas/Chapelle Saint-Nicolas Marker
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Nicolas Chapel / Chapelle Saint-Nicholas (a few steps from this marker); Ancienne abbaye Saint-Paul (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Monument à la Victoire et aux Soldats de Verdun (XXe siècle) (about 120 meters away); Hôtel de la Princerie (about 150 meters away); The Defense (about 150 meters away); Porte Saint-Paul (about 180 meters away); Le 166eme Régiment d'Infanterie
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 18, 2024
3. Chapel Saint Nicolas/Chapelle Saint-Nicolas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 6, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
