Called to Langres in 1621, the Jesuits established their college here some thirty years later. Located in the heart of the city, this establishment could accommodate up to 200 young notables from Langres and the surrounding region. In 1746, the buildings were destroyed by fire, but a new college was soon built. Chased out of the kingdom in 1762, the Jesuits did not see it completed until 1770.
This vast U-shaped building, designed for study and prayer, rests on the south side of the old 13th-century ramparts. It is separated from the square by an enclosing wall, the portal of which is surmounted by an allegory of Education by the Langrois sculptor Antoine Besançon. The return wings frame this enclosure, with the façade of the chapel on the right. Designed like an enormous altarpiece, the latter is astonishing for the profusion of decoration on its pediment, swollen with clouds, rays and cherubs' heads. The crowning fire pots complete the Baroque décor.
A little history:
Tradition has it that part of the An Mil enclosure can still be seen in the foundation walls of the college overlooking rue du Petit Bie. No archaeological study has been carried out to confirm this opinion.
It would appear, however, that the retaining wall of the school courtyard was built on the remains of this enclosure; the large ochre stones (in the axis of rue Lombard) could therefore attest to the layout of these fortifications.
Ancien collège des Jésuites
