Les oratoires

First of all, we need to explain what an oratory is. ‘An oratory is a small chapel used for prayer to invoke the protection of a saint.

Oratories are generally located on the outskirts of villages as a defence against misfortune. Today, oratories are an important part of the heritage of rural villages.

- Saint-Pierre's Oratory: ‘This oratory was originally built near the cemetery. After the demolition of its niche, a large iron cross was placed on the base.

- Sainte Anne's Oratory: ‘Situated at the northern entrance to the village, on the hill near the road from Aureille to Eygalières. Sainte-Anne is the patron saint of the Blessed. It is also an oratory used to invoke rain. Water is scarce in these parts, despite the extensive irrigation network that enables crops to be grown in the region.’

- Saint Joseph's Oratory: ‘Situated on the Chemin du Pas de Clavel, at the north-west exit of the village, Saint Joseph's Oratory has been watching over the workers of Aurelia since 1840. The location of this oratory is no accident: in this part of the village, work on the land is highly developed, and this contributes to the village's economy!’

- Saint-Eloi's Oratory: ‘Situated at the south-western exit of the village, close to the houses, it features the patron saint of “housekeepers” and “blacksmiths”, who were well-to-do farmers because they owned plough animals. He is celebrated in some villages in the Alpilles and Comtat regions of the Pays d'Arles with Carreto Ramado.

- Saint-Roch Oratory: ‘Situated to the south of the village, at the junction of the Route de Mouriès and Avenue Saint-Roch, the oratory was built in 1884. It is invoked during illnesses and major epidemics such as the plague and cholera...’.

- Saint-Véran's Oratory: ‘Situated at the south-east entrance to the village, avenue de la gare, this oratory is the only one on the list of historic monuments. It represents the patron saint of shepherds.