Ancient Church of Antoine Neyrot in Hammamet

The Forgotten Church in Hammamet: A Journey Through Time 

In the heart of Hammamet, a coastal town known for its tourism and Mediterranean charm, once stood a Catholic church rich in history—the Church of Blessed Antoine Neyrot. Though demolished decades ago, this church in Hammamet symbolizes the Christian community that thrived during the French protectorate in Tunisia. Its story connects with the town’s colonial past and the life of Antoine Neyrot.

A Growing Christian Community

The Catholic presence in Hammamet began in 1884 with the creation of the parish. This parish is connected with its neighbouring town, Nabeul. Over the years, the two parishes had a unique relationship, sharing resources. By 1925, Hammamet had only 195 Christian members, yet the need for a dedicated church in Hammamet grew.

Before the church’s construction, the community held services in a private house. They decided to build a church in 1894, but it took nearly fifteen years to raise the funds. A local family donated land. Father Gillan, who served in the parish since 1901, secured donations from benefactors in Canada and Belgium.

The Church in Hammamet as a Symbol of Faith and Heritage

On December 19, 1909, Archbishop Clément Combes inaugurated the Church of Blessed Antoine Neyrot. The architect designed it in Byzantine style, featuring three naves. This design reflected Tunisia’s rich Christian heritage and drew inspiration from the Saint-Louis Cathedral in Carthage.

One significant feature of the church in Hammamet was a stone from the Basilica of Rutilius, an ancient Christian site in Makthar. They used this stone as a keystone, symbolizing the connection to the past. The stone bore the monogram of Christ, reminding everyone of early Christianity in Tunisia.

Inside, the church housed a 600-kilogram bell from the first cathedral of Tunis. This bell called the congregation to worship. Most notably, the church contained the relics of Blessed Antoine Neyrot, transferred from Turin. Neyrot, stoned to death in Tunis in 1460 after rejecting forced conversion to Islam, became a revered figure for the Christian community.

Decline and Closure After Independence

Tunisia’s independence in 1956 changed everything for the church in Hammamet. As European inhabitants left, the Christian population shrank. The church closed in 1964 due to a modus vivendi agreement between the Tunisian government and the Vatican. This agreement allowed the state to take over church properties for public use ( Post Office Nowadays ).

A parishioner recalls Jemaa, a local man who served as the church’s guardian, handing over the keys. He wept as he passed the keys to eager young men—symbolizing the end of an era for Hammamet’s Christian community.

A New Place of Worship and the Church’s Final Days

As the Christian population dwindled, they rented a small chapel for the growing number of tourists visiting Hammamet. In 1967, the Tunisian government approved a new place of worship. An abandoned house, donated by the municipality, was transformed into a chapel with help from the Archdiocese of Cologne and a Belgian benefactress. They opened the new chapel, seating 220, on October 27, 1968.

Meanwhile, they demolished the original church in Hammamet in 1971 and built a Tunisian post office on the site. This marked the end of the Church of Blessed Antoine Neyrot. Despite its physical disappearance, the church’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its final days.

A Testament to Faith in Hammamet

Though gone, the story of the Church of Blessed Antoine Neyrot reminds us of Hammamet’s complex cultural and religious history. This church in Hammamet served as a beacon for the Christian community in Tunisia, providing a place of worship and a space where faith and heritage intertwine.

Today, Hammamet continues to grow as a vibrant tourist destination. The echoes of its past remain in the history of its streets and the memories of former residents. The church may be gone, but its story endures—a forgotten chapter of Hammamet’s rich tapestry.