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Points of interest France Ariège Ancien Carmel
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Historical Site

Ancien Carmel

Historical Site · Ariège · 291 m
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  • Vue d'ensemble
    Vue d'ensemble
    Photo: Florian Belissen - office de tourisme des Portes d'Ariège Pyrénées
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Nestling in the heart of Pamiers, the Carmelite monastery, with its imposing cloister, is an architectural gem from the 17th century. It was once home to the sisters of the Carmelite order, who devoted their lives to prayer in a place cut off from the outside world.
The Carmelite convent, now uninhabited, was founded in 1648 to house the sisters of the Order of St Teresa of Avila. The chapel was built in the 18th century. The interior was designed to reflect the idea of a mystical ascent, with successive ramps, steps and landings leading up to the altar at cell level. The square tower that can be seen from the outside was originally the keep built by the Count of Foix in 1285. In 1297, the tower was given to the bishop, hence its name, the Bishop's Tower. It was given to the Carmelite order at the end of the 17th century. Both buildings were used as prisons, the tower during the Cathar period and the Carmel during the Revolution.
Free guided tours on Heritage Days and during the summer months. Outside these periods, please contact the Portes d'Ariège Pyrénées Tourist Office. Booking essential.
The monastery was listed as a historic monument on 14 August 2009.

Opening times

From 01/01 to 01/01 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6.30 pm. On Saturday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6.30 pm. Closed on Monday.

Price:

Free of charge.
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Coordinates

DD
43.113715, 1.609262
DMS
43°06'49.4"N 1°36'33.3"E
UTM
31T 386851 4774381
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Famous buildings in Ariège
France › Occitania › Ariège › Pamiers

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Ancien Carmel

5 place du Mercadal
09100 Pamiers

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Maps and trails
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Distance 41.3 km
Duration 11:40 h
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Road Cycling · France
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recommended route Difficulty moderate
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Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme
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Points of interest France Ariège Ancien Carmel