Argelès Churches
Notre-Dame-dels-Prats Church
There has been a church standing on this spot since the 12th Century, but the existing Notre-Dame-dels-Prats church was built in the 14th Century in the Gothic Style with high defensive walls and small windows, then restored in the 19th century preserving its historic character while adapting to the needs of a growing parish. There is also an ancient cemetery under Place des Saints Côme et Damien, which was covered over in the 19th Century.
The church is flanked by a magnificent Roman-style bell tower, over 30 metres high, which can be accessed through a door built into the building's wall, was a famous landmark for sailors navigating coast since the 14th century. And, did you know that the Bell Tower was also used as a prison for centuries?
26 September – The Annual Feast Day of Saint Cosmas and Damian
Cosmas and Damian were Christian doctors martyred in Syria in the 3rd century and there is a chapel dedicated to them in Notre-Dame-dels-Prats church
According to legend, on the very day of their feast in 1652, they miraculously freed Argelès from a plague epidemic ravaging the town and the people of Argeles have been celebrated their Feast Day on 26 September ever since.
Saint-Laurent-du-Mont Chapel
Saint-Laurent-du-Mont is a striking chapel built on a hilltop in the 12th century by order of the abbey of Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines close to Argelès. The chapel is in great condition and has sweeping views over Argelès. Built entirely of cut stone, the monument has a great austere beauty. I really recommend hiking up to visit.
It was sold off after the French Revolution, but François de Palmarole, Mayor of Perpignan, saved it from ruin. Much later, the chapel was abandoned and served as a refuge for Spanish refugees fleeing the war, then became a shepherd's shelter.
In the 1960s, the Massana Association restored the chapel and then the roof was also restored in 1993 with the help of the Hermitages Association of Argelès and has been revived as a place of worship. Open to the public year-round, it holds an annual mass for its patron saint on 10 August each year.