The Nomdieu

At sunset...

A small village located in the Auvignon valley, a few kilometers from Francescas, Nomdieu was established around the commandery of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. Its approximately 200 inhabitants bear the charming name of "Dieunommés" (God-named).

The church was consecrated before 1170 and customs were granted in 1304. The village was taken by the English in 1439.

The Commandery of Hospitallers

It is a Templar commandery founded following a donation by Gaston V of Béarn and his aunt Gilia de Beauville around 1154. Donations increased its capital in the second half of the 12th century. In the 13th century, Nomdieu comprised a community of brothers and a hospital. The village was taken by the English in 1439. The commandery was divided up and sold during the Revolution. In 1860, the municipality decided to restore and enlarge the church. The castle attached to the church on the west side was demolished and its site used for the new construction. The work was completed in 1877.

We note that the coat of arms, depicted on the stained glass window in the tympanum of the church, bears a Latin motto inscribed on a banner: "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory." Give glory to the Name of God (this motto is the same as that of the Knights Templar). Most of the houses were rebuilt during the 19th century.

You will also have the opportunity to go hiking in the town of Nomdieu and its surroundings, particularly the sundial trail.