Saint-Julien le Pauvre – One of Paris’ Oldest Churches

Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre is one of the oldest churches in Paris. Twice it has been on the list of churches to be razed but thankfully this has not happened. Saint Gregory of Tours (538-594) first mentions St-Julien as a place of respite for himself and refers to it as a basilica which usually was a term used for abbey churches. This offers proof of the existence of a church on this site as far back as the 6th century.

Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre

Located in the fifth arrondissement, Saint-Julien le Pauvre is a Gothic style church. It shares a city block with the Square Rene Viviani. Above you see the church from the shade of the Square.

Construction of the current church began in 1165 and finished in 1240.  It is Paris’ only surviving 12th century church. The University of Paris chose  Saint-Julien  in 13th the century as the location for its assemblies.

Saint-Julien is an unremarkable church from the exterior. However, the church itself is a repository of history. The church lost its spire in a fire over 150 years ago. In the south end of the chapel remains the staircase that would have ultimately led to access to the spire. Stone bas-relief dateing from the fifteenth century decorates the main altar. In the southern wing you will find the grave of Henri Rousseau.

Paris’ only surviving 12th century church

Over the centuries Saint-Julien has had many faces. During the French Revolution the church became a salt warehouse. Then it was scheduled for demolition. Later it became a chapel for the Hospital Hôtel Dieu in 1805. In 1889 this originally Catholic church became home to a Melkite Greek denomination.

Directions

1 rue St Julien le Pauvre
Metro Line 10, Cluny-La Sorbonne stop

Reference

T. Pinard ,”L’Eglise Saint-Julien-Le-Pauvre, A Paris”, Revue Archéologique, 73 Année, No. 1 (15 avril au 15 septembre 1850), pp. 169-173.

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