The 11th-century monastery and former sanctuary of Vincent Van Gough is a stunning example of Provençal Romanesque art. The landscapes that inspired works such as ‘Starry Night’ and ‘Wheat Field with Cypresses’ can still be seen today.
Built within the Gallo-Roman city of Glanum, the monastery dates back to the 11th-century, when Christian pilgrims settled at the site because of its natural spring. Since 1605, a psychiatric asylum has been established at the monastery; the chosen sanctuary of Vincent Van Gough. In search of confinement, the artist arrived in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in May 1989. During his 53 weeks at the asylum, Van Gough produced 143 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings, inspired by the beautiful landscapes and atmosphere.
Saint-Paul de Mausole is still a health and psychiatric asylum today, so it only welcomes visitors at certain times. In the old chapter houses there is a restored Romanesque staircase and a permanent exhibition, as well as a replica of the room that Van Gough stayed in.