Convent of the Cordeliers of Saint-Émilion
Couvent des Cordeliers de Saint-Émilion / Sent Milion
(Saint-Émilion, Gironde)
The Cordeliers (Franciscans) settled in Saint-Émilion in the 13th century, outside the town walls to the east of the village. The first documented reference to this house dates back to 1255. In 1341, during a period of conflict, both mendicant convents of Saint-Émilion -this one and that of the Jacobins (Dominicans)- were demolished to facilitate the defense of the town.
In 1343, Pope Clement VI authorized the relocation of the convent, although records indicate that the move did not take place until 1384. The convent was abandoned following the French Revolution, which led to its deterioration, and it was sold in 1791. Today, the cloister, the church, and several other buildings are preserved, with the restored spaces now dedicated to wine-related activities.
Cloister gallery. Drawing by F. d'Andiran
Published in La Guienne historique et monumentale
Bibliothéques de Bordeaux
- BOUTOULLE, Frédéric (2011). L’apogée d’une “bonne ville” Saint-Émilion pendant les premiers temps de la jurade (1199-1253). Fabrique d’une ville médiévale. Saint-Émilion au Moyen Âge
- DUCOURNEAU, Alexandre (1842). La Guienne historique et monumentale. Bordeaux: Coudert
- GUINODIE, Raymond (1876). Histoire de Libourne et des autres villes et bourgs de son arrondissement. Libourne: Maleville
- PIGANEAU, Emilien (1896). Le couvent des Cordeliers de Saint-Émilion. Société Archéologique de Bordeaux. XXI. Bordeus: Feret
- SERBAT, M. L. (1913). Saint-Émilion. Congrès archéologique de France. LXXIX session. París: Picard
The significant remains of the second Cordeliers convent are located in the center of Saint-Émilion, on Rue de la Porte Brunet