Prouilhe is where Saint Dominic founded his first community in 1206-1207, before the Order of Preachers itself existed, and it is regarded as the cradle of the Dominican Order. Destroyed in the Revolution, it was rebuilt from 1860 and nuns returned in 1880. The Romano-Byzantine basilica was begun in 1886 and roofed in 1925-1926 with a metal frame.
What it needs
Tiles have been falling from the roof of the great nave; a net under the frame and a hoarding on the ground keep people out of danger. Water is damaging walls, floors, stucco, vaults and timbers. After delays the roof works started in February 2026: about 750 square meters of roofing over the nave, porch and annexes.
Before you act. The present buildings are nineteenth and twentieth century; the medieval monastery was destroyed. The roof was expected to be finished in November 2026, so gifts may now cover works already done.
The Définitoire was damaged by fire in the 19th century, is largely disused and is described by the Fondation du patrimoine as in a state of peril; walls and roof come first. Once saved it is to house a study and research center holding the archives of the order, plus exhibition space. Works began in March 2025 and the donation drive is under half way to its target.
On the morning of 2 November 2025 a fire gutted the main building, leaving only walls and a few vaults and destroying the original timber roof and painted beams. The owners first need to protect the exposed masonry, then rebuild frame and roof. Insurance is capped, so the Fondation du patrimoine opened an emergency collection.
