Envision a haven for nuns. That is the Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons, actuellement hôpital Pasteur. This former abbey has a rich history. It has transformed over the centuries. Let’s delve into the story of Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons, actuellement hôpital Pasteur.
The Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons de Nice is one of the oldest monasteries on the Côte d’Azur. The Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons is located within the Hôpital Pasteur in Nice.
Legend says a Roman knight Pontius converted to Christianity in his youth. He became a senator after his father’s death. Pontius gave his wealth to the poor. He converted Emperor Phillip. Valérien and Gallien persecuted Christians. Pontius fled to Cimiez.
Pontius refused to worship pagan gods. He was tortured but remained unharmed. Thrown to bears, the animals attacked his guards. Surviving burning, he was beheaded. His body fell near the Paillon River. Valerius, a convert, buried him secretly.
Tradition states Charlemagne founded the Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons. This was through his nephew, Bishop Siagrius of Nice, in 775. Siagrius requested an abbey near a chapel dedicated to Saint Pons. This claim relies on the Vita Siacrii. Critics deem it unreliable. No historical source confirms Siagrius as Charlemagne’s nephew.
Bernard Gui mentioned in the 14th century that Saint Pons’ body rested in a tomb under the church. Archaeological finds suggest a Carolingian structure. An altar likely stood over the tomb. Fragments of a Carolingian chancel have been found. An inscription commemorates Charlemagne’s restoration of Saint Pons’ tomb between 774 and 800.
Benedictine monks were entrusted with the monastery. They enjoyed many privileges. Their devotion made the abbey a spiritual economic center.
Saracens raided Provence in the late 9th century. In 890, they destroyed the Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons. They were defeated in 973. Records of the abbey were lost until 999.
The Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons recovered. It received vast lands. Nobles sought redemption by donating land. Pierre Gioffredo’s Nicaea Civitas mentions a donation. It highlights the abbey’s decline after Saracen incursions.
The abbot held a high rank. He possessed considerable authority. He could nominate clergy. The abbot administered the abbey and its properties. He delivered justice.
By the 12th century, the Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons owned much of Nice. Rents supported the poor. They also funded local investments. Monks founded numerous churches.
Secular priests were scarce in the Middle Ages. Monks controlled many rural parishes. The abbey’s power influenced Nice’s dedication to Savoy in 1388.
The Benedictine rule declined. The abbey struggled financially. Distant churches became independent. New orders sought land. Benedictines donated Sainte-Réparate to become Nice’s cathedral in 1531.
In 1473, the abbey was given to the Bishop of Nice. Monks regained control later. This practice continued. In 1543, Turks ravaged the monastery during the siege of Nice.
King Victor-Amédée III closed the abbey in 1792. He provided monks with pensions. The property was used for public works.
French revolutionary troops converted it into a military hospital. Lands were sold. Napoléon I authorized its concession to the Bishop of Nice. This was for a seminary that never materialized.
In 1815, Nice returned to the King of Sardinia. A concordat restored ecclesiastical properties. The abbey remained state property. In 1835, Oblates of the Virgin Mary settled there. A Sardinian law suppressed religious congregations. The Oblates remained until their deaths.
In 1860, the Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons became French property. The 1901 law expelled the Oblates. A decree allowed Nice to purchase the monastery. It became an annex of Saint-Roch Hospital. Construction of Pasteur Hospital began in 1910. The abbey is still part of it.
Rebuilt from 1724, the church features a baroque style. The building has an ellipsoidal plan.
Today, the Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Pons, currently hôpital Pasteur stands as a testament to Nice’s long history. It showcases transformations from a monastery to a modern hospital. It echoes with stories of faith conflict and change.