In the heart of Manosque, the church of Notre-Dame de Romigier is home to several treasures, including a very old statue of the Virgin, made of alder wood. Probably dating from the 12th century, this Virgin holds the Child on her left knee. Veiled, dressed in a cloak closed by a clasp and a long dress with a wide border, she cradles the Child, also dressed in a cloak and a dress and holds a closed book. Both are wearing a crown.
The chevet of the Church of Notre Dame de Romigier, in Romanesque style (10th-12th centuries), is the oldest part of the building.
Built as early as the 5th century, completely overthrown by the Saracens around the year 900, the church was rebuilt in 974. Its 16th century portal is surmounted by an interlaced A and M (Ave Maria).
The central nave was rebuilt in 1730 after the earthquake of 1708. The stained glass windows of the choir were made in 1991 by G. Hermet. The high altar, whose bas-reliefs represent the apostles, in a style close to that of the school of Arles (5th-6th), is the Carrara marble sarcophagus which, according to the legend, hid the statue of the Black Virgin.
On the square in front of this church, the real lung of the city, William I, Count of Provence held his courts of justice in 984.
Church of Notre-Dame de Romigier
Place de l'Hôtel de ville,
04100 Manosque
Tel : 04 92 72 10 43
http://notre-dame-de-romigier.jimdo.com/historique/
