Chapelle des Pénitents blancs

The brotherhoods of the penitents were born in the 13th century in Italy. They were religious associations of laymen. The members committed themselves to lead a Christian life, they were subjected to the same practices as the monks. their habit consisted of a hood, a large cloth garment and a rope. It ensured them a perfect anonymity; thus several social classes lived together. the white penitents assisted the sick, and in times of famine lent or gave grain. They were also in charge of transporting corpses during burials.