Chorges

Chorges is a commune with 2654 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. The place is located near Gap. Chorges was initially (1790) the capital of the Hautes- Alpes, before it was transferred to Gap.

General

The name derives from the Latin Chorges Catorimagus ago, which refers to the root of the Caturiger who lived in the Roman province Alpes Maritimae. This Caturigen fought so bravely in the Alpine passes against the Romans, that they were given some special privileges after their defeat. They founded the city Civit Catur, Catorimagus, today Chorges. From Roman times, a stone is obtained, the Pierre de Néron, which carries a Latin inscription in which the name Nero occurs. This stone is now on display at the front of the church of Saint -Victor.

This parish church of Saint- Victor is a monument of the 12th century, it was built in 1191-1194 by the monks of Marseilles. In 1517 it was pillaged by mercenaries of King Francis I in 1569 and by the Protestants. At the siege of 1586 the church burned, also in 1692 and 1699, there was fire damage. The church is a listed building.

The Château de Chorges was destroyed during the French Revolution, but are in urban areas still parts of the building were reused ( a portico, several capitals and a lintel, the use was as a bench ).

Of the old city gates only the Porte Souchon greater. The name of the rue Porte Reveline points out, however, that it has at least yet given a second gate.