Chapel of the Templars

The Templar Chapel, in Laon

The Templar Chapel is a mysterious medieval building of Laon, nestled in the garden of the archaeological museum. The Laon audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this small sanctuary of the order of the Temple, with a singular form, a witness of the history of the crusades.

The sanctuary of the order of the Temple

In the garden of the archaeological museum of Laon is discovered the mysterious Templar Chapel. The very name of the Templars is full of mysteries: you think of hidden treasures, of secrets and of the tragic end of this powerful order. The order of the Temple, founded in the twelfth century at the time of the crusades, was at once religious and military: its members, monk-soldiers, had for mission to protect the pilgrims on the way to the Holy Land. The order knew a considerable fortune and influence, before being brutally dissolved at the beginning of the fourteenth century, its goods confiscated and its leaders condemned. The chapel of Laon, built in the twelfth century, is one of the rare vestiges of their presence. It stands out by its octagonal form, inspired by the buildings of Jerusalem like the Holy Sepulchre, topped with a small bell tower. This singular plan makes it a rare and fascinating building. Today attached to the museum, it shelters elements of sculpture. A medieval sanctuary laden with mystery, the Templar Chapel is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the small sanctuary of the order of the Temple built in the twelfth century in the garden of the archaeological museum, one of the rare vestiges of the Templars, these monk-soldiers of the crusades brutally dissolved in the fourteenth century; its octagonal form, inspired by the buildings of Jerusalem and topped with a small bell tower, makes it a rare and fascinating building. The Templar Chapel is a mysterious sanctuary of Laon. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Templar Chapel lies in the garden of the archaeological museum of Laon, in the upper town, reachable on foot. The visit follows the hours and conditions of the museum, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What is the Templar Chapel in Laon?

A small sanctuary of the order of the Temple built in the twelfth century, one of the rare vestiges of the Templars, these monk-soldiers of the crusades who protected the pilgrims, brutally dissolved in the fourteenth century; its octagonal form, inspired by the buildings of Jerusalem, makes it a rare building, today attached to the archaeological museum.

Where is the Templar Chapel in Laon?

In the garden of the archaeological museum of Laon, in the upper town, in France.