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The legend of Pescalune  Lunel, yesterday and today Lunel, proud city of the Languedoc
Up until the end of the 13th century, Lunel underwent steady growth. The flourishing town largely owed its success to its renowned Jewish school and the quality of its scholars (medicine, astronomy, translation of ancient documents…). In 1295, the town had approximately 4,500 inhabitants. It was at that time united with the French crown by Philippe le Bel. A royal court was established there under the ministry of Guillaume de Nogaret. An exceptional historical and architectural patrimony Over the course of the next centuries, periods of prosperity were followed by periods of conflict and epidemics. The town endured several sieges, notably in 1570 and 1620 during the Wars of Religion. Certain religious orders, such as the Knights Templar, the Franciscans, the Capuchins, and the Carmelites… played a principal role in the history and construction of the town, endowing it with an exceptional heritage.
In 1632, following the peace treaty of Alais, the fortifications were dismantled. A century later, in 1728, a canal and a port were completed, connecting Lunel to the sea. In 1941 and again in 1972, this project, in use for almost two centuries, was partially filled in, falling victim to competition from rail transport.
The covered market was built between 1908 and 1910 and inaugurated on the 1 st of January, 1911. Constructed on the site of the former presbytery near the church, it replaced the herb market and the fish market, both of which had become dilapidated. In the tradition of Parisian covered markets, it is a striking example of turn-of-the-century architecture, combining a metal framework and bricks, and Lunel is one of the few towns to have preserved such a market in its original state. The extensive glass surface, which is essential given the nature of the building, joins form and function in a delightful way (upper portions entirely glass, wells of light in the centre). The entrance is decorated with the town’s coats of arms surrounded by lions. During restoration in 1987, the market was embellished with a mosaic fountain.
Book on the heritage available at the tourist office |
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