Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte visitor guide

Visit Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte, France

The Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte is one of the most important religious monuments in the town of Aix-en-Provence, a town in Provence. It is in the south-east of the town, along the Rue Cardinale from the Place des Quatre Dauphins.

Discover the Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte in Aix-en-Provence

France This Way review: the church is interesting to visit, in part because of its history, and is only a short distance from Cours Mirabeau so we suggest you make the detour to visit the church as you explore Aix-en-Provence. We recommend you approach the church along Rue Cardinale for the most impressive views.

Nave in the Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte

The church was built in the 13th century (between 1220 and 1280) in a position that was outside the original ramparts of the town. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is certain that the church was largely built by 1256 and expanded in 1272.

The church was built on the site of a chapel that was built in the same location by the Hospitaliers de l'ordre de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem (a religious order formed initially to provide medical services) after they arrived in the town in the 12th century. This chapel was built around 1192, for patients of the Hospitaliers in the hospital that was next to the site (now the location of the Gramat Museum).

Because of the position outside the ramparts, the church was almost demolished in the 16th century, because the town feared it could be seized by their enemies and used as a stronghold to attack the town, but the idea was rejected.

The facade of the church has now been carefully restored, and overlooks a small square: this view of the square and church, from where you can admire the gothic architecture, is the highlight of a visit.

The Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte is particularly notable because it was the first gothic style church to be built in Provence. This is immediately apparent as you can see from the facade, which contains two rose windows. The belltower that appears rather oversized for the church is on the left of the facade and is 67 metres high.

Either side of the entrance you can see imposing octagonal towers, connected by a balcony above the main rose window. The tower on the right, and the balcony, were only added in the 17th century.

Although it was originally surrounded by open countryside, town development in Aix in the 17th century completely encircled the church, so it is difficult to see much of the exterior apart from the facade. Rather surprisingly, although the belltower is the tallest structure in Aix-en-Provence, it is almost impossible to see from anywhere in the town because of this development around the church.

As you enter the church, the first thing you notice is how light the interior is, reinforced by the numerous windows and the light stone used in the construction, and the high rib vault ceiling. It is true that, in contrast to the exterior, the interior could benefit from some renovation, but this does not detract from your visit.

The chapels inside the church were added and decorated in the 14th century and the 17th century.

Most of the paintings on the walls in the church are by two artists who had moved to Aix-en-Provence in the middle of the 17th century: Nicolas Mignard and Nicolas Pignon. There is also a small painting by Delacroix of the Crucifixion in the nave to the right of the church.

Apart from the paintings you will also notice some attractive stained glass windows above the altar. The organ in the Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte can be seen below the rose window, but this is a very recent addition (added in 2006 and the most recent of several organs that have been installed in the church over the centuries).

Stained glass windows in the Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte

Attractions nearby

Just behind the church, the Rue d'Italie is an interesting street with several small shops and cafes. For other monuments and attractions in the town see our guide to Aix-en-Provence.

See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.

To make travel arrangements to visit Church Saint-Jean-de-Malte see HERE