CARING FOR THE SOUL

From the medieval period on, hospital architecture began to be based on Christian structures, with a chapel placed at the centre. This configuration, present at Nuits-Saint-Georges, allowed the chaplain to be as close as possible to the sick so that he could hear their confessions, celebrate services or administer last rites. Masses known as “foundation” masses were also held in honour and at the request of donors. There would usually be an annual mass celebrating their Christian charity.

Built at the same time as the Saint-Laurent ward, the hospital chapel was renovated and extended between 1842 and 1844. A sacristy, built on stilts, was erected on the Meuzin side for storing liturgical materials. In 1854, alterations were made to improve how care (both medical and spiritual) could be delivered to the sick. The confessional was installed in the recess of a wall, where an old cupboard had been. It was built to be retractable, making it a rather unique and remarkable feature. This space-saving technique meant the chapel could be decorated with furniture, small altars, sculptures and paintings with pious themes.

Inside, there were chairs for those patients not bed-bound. One part was also set aside for the nursing sisters so that they could follow the rules of their religious order.