The Kings' Gallery

The legend of the Holy Bulb

The Galerie des rois offers a breathtaking view of the sacred city, its countryside and even the famous Reims mountain.

But it also represents an event that cannot be ignored: the baptism of Clovis. Clovis is depicted in the center of the picture in his baptismal font  He is surrounded by Bishop Remi, accompanied by a dove carrying the Holy Ampoule, and his wife Clotilde.

Did you say Saint Ampoule ? 
The legend first appeared in the 19^th century in the writings of Archbishop Hincmar. He recounts a miracle that took place during the baptism of Clovis: when the little cleric in charge of bringing the oil needed for the post-baptismal anointing failed to make his way through the crowd of warriors, a dove appeared in the baptistery and placed a phial filled with fragrant oil in the bishop's hands.

In fact, the oil contained in the Holy Ampoule, the holy chrism, was used to anoint the kings of France on the day of their coronation.