Nos événements

In the historical centre of Douai, the collegial church of St. Peter, one of the largest in the North of France, is open to the public. Replacing an old medieval church, the collegiate church was built in the 18th century at the request of the magistrates of the Parliament of Flanders, situated in Douai, to have a privileged place for their official ceremonies. The 16th century porch-tower, of gothic-Flemish style was unfinished , but integrates well with the 18th century classical group.

Inside, the visitor is surprised by the light and vast proportions of the nave and choir, of impressive dimensions, terminating with the great Chapel of Miracles and its cupola. Very rich with works of art, such as the impressive collection of 18th century French paintings, the collegiate church also has a magnificent 18th century organ case, the most easily visible north of Paris. Among the numerous reliquaries, commemorative monuments and cenotaphs, can be seen as a witness to history , the memorial and reliquary of Saint John Southworth, martyred in London in 1654 ( one of the 40 martyrs of England and Wales who were canonised in 1970 by Pope Paul VI). He reminds us that for 125 years, Douai was a refuge for English Catholics fleeing from persecution.