Originally a Byzantine church of resplendent beauty, the Chapel of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross was at a later period turned into a mosque. The church, which marked the site where Jesus took up the cross after being sentenced to crucifixion, was finally restored at the beginning of the twentieth century. By the end of its renovation in 1904 it had returned to its former Byzantine splendor.
Today's lovely sanctuary is topped by five shiny white domes, each of them sitting on a stained-glass window- enveloped drum. But most extraordinary is the artwork within the church interior: papier-mache figures in the apse tell some of the most powerful stories of the Passion. In one of the representations, Pontius Pilate condemns Jesus to crucifixion. Another haunting scene shows John desperately trying to keep the Virgin Mary from seeing Jesus carrying a cross down the Via Dolorosa.
These figures will remind anyone who has wandered through Northern France of a phenomenon known as the Parish Close. During the Middle Ages, when illiteracy was commonplace, leaders of the French church racked their brains for a way to familiarize the peasants with the Scriptures. In what was a truly creative solution, they decided to decorate each village parish with superbly carved figures that played out all the major biblical scenes.
Other momentous biblical events and individuals are pictured in the church's brilliantly colored stained-glass windows. Angels can be seen within the small windows in the ceiling; in wall illustrations Pontius Pilate washes his hands, and soldiers impose the cross on Jesus.
Four thick pink marble pillars support the ceiling. Pilasters are found on many of the walls, and miniature Corinthian pillars appear to be holding up the altar.
An interesting feature of this church is the Roman- period floor found next to its western wall. Typical of floors of that era, it is made of very large, striated stones that kept people from slipping as they walked.

Visiting hours: Daily 8:00-12:00; 14:00-17:00