Imagine stepping back to a time when religious fervor and intellectual debate clashed within the walls of what is now the Rèsidence Port-Royal. This place was once the Abbaye de Port-Royal de Paris a stronghold of Jansenism.
The story of Résidence Port-Royal begins in the 16th century. Pierre Lescot built the Hôtel de Clagny here between 1566 and 1569. Later in 1624 Angélique Arnauld acquired it. She was the abbess of Port Royal des Champs. The Hôtel de Clagny was remodeled to house the Cistercian convent of Port-Royal. This aimed to relieve congestion at the mother house of Port-Royal des Champs.
Around 1626 the convent found its home here. The Chapel of the Trés Saint Sacrement was built between 1646 and 1648. Antoine Lepautre designed it. The cloister followed between 1652 and 1655. These walls witnessed both devotion and controversy.
Port-Royal became a hub for Jansenism. This was a religious and political belief system. It clashed with the monarchy and Catholic Church. The nuns here found themselves in frequent struggles with authorities. They became known for their stout defense of freedom of thought.
The clash between the Jansenists and their opponents lasted decades. Key figures like Cardinal Mazarin and Blaise Pascal passed away. This left the community vulnerable. Despite their influence the nuns were expelled in 1664. They were replaced by the Visitandines.
In 1790 the convent of Port-Royal closed during the French Revolution. From 1790 to 1795 it served as a prison named Port-libre or La Bourbe. Ironically Chrétien Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes was detained here. He had defended Louis XVI at his trial.
The story takes another turn in 1794. The French Convention founded the Maternity Hospital. It was first located at Val de Grâce. Later it moved to Port-Royal. In 1814 the obstetric services transferred here. It was officially named the Maternité de Port-Royal.
In 1890 the Baudelocque clinic was created. It was built in the gardens of the Maternité. This clinic became a teaching center for medical students. It also served as a research center.
During the bombing of Paris in 1918 a German shell hit the Baudelocque clinic. This caused 20 casualties. Despite this tragedy the clinic continued its work. In the early 1950s Alexandre Minkowski created the first care center for premature babies here.
In 1966 the Port-Royal Maternity Hospital moved to new buildings. However the cloister chapel and chapter house of the former abbey were preserved. They were integrated into the Cochin hospital. Today the cloister houses the hospital administration.
The buildings of the Baudelocque clinic were demolished in 2007. Today the Abbaye’s main cloister is part of the modern Hôpital Cochin. As you stand here remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From religious debates to pioneering medical advancements Rèsidence Port-Royal carries a rich legacy. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.