Chapel of the Black Penitents

The Brotherhood of the Black Penitents was the first to form in Aubagne, back in 1551. That same year, men and women in the brotherhood were allowed to gather in the old Saint-Michel Chapel, which was no longer used for worship. In the 18th century, they built a new chapel right here, giving it a striking neoclassical facade inspired by none other than the Pantheon in Rome. Quite an architectural statement! They chose the neoclassical style precisely to set it apart from the nearby White Penitents’ chapel, built just a few meters away in the ornate Baroque style. With its four Corinthian columns and elegant lines, the Black Penitents’ chapel still stands out among the town’s buildings. Like its Baroque neighbor, it’s been listed as a Historic Monument since 1927. Today, it houses a contemporary art center, where you can enjoy temporary exhibitions in a truly historic setting.