Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle | ©: www.anduze-info.com

Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle: a place of worship with a moving story

All culturally interested visitors can look forward to a “gem” in the town of Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle in the Gard with its 120 inhabitants: There they can see an eponymous Romanesque chapel, which most likely was built in its present form during the 12th century. This church suffered massive damage throughout the religious wars of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle | ©: www.anduze-info.com

The story of Sainte-Croix de Caderle

It is assumed that the chapel Sainte-Croix de Caderle was built in the Merovingian period, between the 5th and the middle of the 8th century AD. The reason for this assumption is: As part of the excavations a sarcophagus from that period was found on the grounds. The name Villa Caderliam is known since the 892. A priory was established in 1420.

Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle | ©: www.anduze-info.com

Especially during the Huguenots and the Camisard Wars, this chapel was violently impacted. The Huguenots raged through this area from 1562 to 1598. The Camisard Wars happened between 1702 to 1704. During this time, it was repeatedly looted and the chapel even destroyed. For example, the Camisards, also called Huguenots in Cevennes, set Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle ablaze in 1702. The town was finally occupied by the Royal Dragoon garrison in 1704. Until 1711 the Dragoons exercised a reign of terror, with only one objective: for the Huguenots to renounce their faith. Although the chapel was spared at this time, the bell tower was demolished none the less. Above the entrance, they built a storage place. It was not until 1802 that the Protestants regained the chapel once again.

A site to behold

However, Sainte-Croix de Caderle itself is worth seeing. The stroll through the partial cobble stoned streets is worthwhile for the visitor. You walk past old buildings. If you happen to fall in love with the charm of the past with its seclusion, you can book a holiday home here as well.

Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle: a place of worship with a moving story

The story of Sainte-Croix de Caderle

A site to behold

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