Square of the Holy Bodies

Welcome to the Place des Corps Saints, aka Square of the Holy Bodies, one of the city’s most charming squares. It’s bustling with cafés whose terraces stretch beneath the canopy of trees, and it’s the perfect spot to unwind and watch the world go by. This square dates from the Middle Ages, back when it was known as the Place du Corps Saint (Square of the Holy Body), as it housed the relics of Pierre de Luxembourg, one of the city’s patron saints. Upon his request, he was laid to rest in 1387 in the cemetery that once stood here, the so-called cemetery of the poor, located outside the city walls. Following his beatification –the step just before sainthood when one’s named “blessed”– a church was built above his relics. It’s the monastery of the Celestines, which you can still see today on your left, though it’s now no longer in use. In 1843, upon discovering the relics of Saint-Bénézet and other prominent individuals near this church, it was decided to rename the square “Place des Corps Saints”, that is, Square of the Holy Bodies. You see, now, there wasn’t just one Holy Body, but many. The church, once among the wealthiest in the city, still boasts its cloister and nearly all of its original buildings. This is why it was listed as a Historical Monument back in 1914. Unfortunately, access to the church is restricted, as it’s only open during Heritage Days and concerts held during the Avignon Festival.