The Pendentif

A true Valentinois landmark, the Pendentif has been part of the city’s architectural heritage for over five centuries. Designed as a triumphal arch recalling those of Roman times, it was built in 1548 as a funeral chapel by Nicolas Mistral, one of the cathedral’s monks. Designed in the heart of the cloister, it features typical Renaissance architecture and is based on complex, geometric construction techniques, giving it a harmonious, elegant appearance. But why is it called the Pendentif, you may ask? The name actually refers to the way it was built: its spherical ceiling is supported by four pendants. The pendentives refer to a well-defined system for assembling the stones which, placed in each corner of the monument, form a square monument, whereas its ceiling is spherical. It’s a bit technical, but remember that the name comes from the architectural method chosen here. It’s also worth remembering that it was one of the first buildings to be added to the list of Historic Monuments, thanks to Prosper Mérimée, Inspector General of Historic Monuments, who, passing in front of the building, decided to make it a protected site as early as 1840. Beneath this genuine triumphal arch, we find a crypt that would have served, for a time, as a cellar and warehouse. Although looted and damaged during the religious wars, it remains one of the few well-preserved religious buildings in Valence. You can even still see traces of the sculpted drawings decorating the walls!