Their story.
The Théâtre de verdure, located near the Castellas neighborhood, now offers a unique setting for outdoor performances. Born out of the success of the “Là-haut sur la colline” festival in 2021, the Théâtre de verdure is a project launched in 2024 to transform the Esplanade Saint-Joseph into an outdoor cultural venue, while preserving its natural setting. But behind this relatively new venue lies a much older history, woven from stones, beliefs, and memories passed down from generation to generation.
The church that is said to have changed locations: A local legend tells that the old Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Joseph once stood near Castellas, before being moved a very long time ago. According to this tradition, not all the stones were recovered or returned to their original location. This, it is said, explains why the current building no longer quite resembles the one described by the elders.
Stones as the Village’s Memory: In Provençal villages, an ancient stone can sometimes tell a more complete story than a document. When a religious building is converted, rebuilt, or moved, its materials may be reused elsewhere. It is therefore not impossible that certain old stones have had several lives, even if their precise origin is difficult to determine today.
A former religious site turned into a performance venue: While today the site is associated with concerts, performances, and summer evenings, its history remains tied to its religious past and the historic landscape of Castellas. The Théâtre de verdure thus carries on, in its own way, a much older tradition: that of a gathering place.
