Saint-Ursule Chapel

The Sainte-Ursule chapel of the Sorbonne

The Paris audio-guided tour stops you before the Sainte-Ursule chapel of the Sorbonne, approached with quiet respect. Its history is linked to Cardinal Richelieu, who became provost of the Sorbonne in 1622 and wished to give the place a splendour worthy of its prestige.

Cardinal Richelieu's project

The college had had a chapel since the Middle Ages, but it was in poor condition. Richelieu entrusted the renovation project to the architect Jacques Lemercier, also the author of the Palais-Royal. The new chapel was built between 1635 and 1642, in an elegant classical style. The cardinal rests there, in a marble tomb considered a masterpiece of funerary sculpture.

What there is to see

The chapel stands out for its dome and its classical façade, one of the first of this style in Paris. With respect for the place, you admire the tomb of Richelieu, surmounted by his statue. Long closed, the chapel is the subject of restoration and opening projects. It is a discreet jewel in the heart of the Sorbonne.

Practical information

The Sainte-Ursule chapel is in the heart of the Sorbonne, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Its access is restricted and depends on the restoration and opening projects under way; it is mainly discovered during events or special visits. The façade can be contemplated from Place de la Sorbonne.

When was the chapel built?

It was built between 1635 and 1642 by the architect Jacques Lemercier, at the request of Cardinal Richelieu, provost of the Sorbonne.

Who rests in the chapel?

Cardinal Richelieu rests there, in a marble tomb surmounted by his statue, considered a masterpiece of funerary sculpture.