Standing here, you are looking at the Collège des Bernardins, a place of learning, reflection, and culture. It is the oldest surviving building of the historic University of Paris, a place that truly embodies the heart of Paris.
The Collège des Bernardins began as a place for Cistercian monks to learn and study. They wanted to share knowledge with other monks, so they built this vast complex. The Collège was built in 1248. It took five years, and it was a challenge since the land was swampy. The Cistercians, renowned for their practicality, built the entire building on wooden stilts to compensate for the unstable soil.
The Collège prospered; it even included its own church. But times changed. Then came the French Revolution, and many historical and religious buildings were confiscated. The Collège was turned into a prison, and the building suffered. Sadly, the church was demolished in 1859 to make way for the Boulevard Saint-Germain, the famous Parisian street.
There are numerous stories about the Collège. For centuries, it housed a myriad of different functions as its destiny seemed uncertain. You can still find remnants of its life as a prison, a school, even a fire station! For a short time, during the Paris Commune, the Collège even served as a refuge for Parisians seeking safety.
The once magnificent Collège des Bernardins almost went to ruin. But in 2001, the Archdiocese of Paris purchased it. The government was also involved and contributed funding as they decided to turn it into a vibrant cultural center. And that’s when this incredible building started its most recent journey.
Today, the Collège des Bernardins offers a wide array of cultural events, exhibitions, and educational opportunities. It is a living testament to the rich history of Paris and the enduring power of learning and faith. The building is now a place where the past and present collide, and where visitors can discover a unique and inspiring space. It is a place where the spirit of learning and exploration flourish.