St. Denis' Church, Amboise, France

The construction of St. Denis’ Church was started about 1107 by Hugues, the first Lord of Amboise. It was built on the site of ancient Gallo-Roman monument.Built in a fine Gothic style, with moderations made in the 16th century, the beautiful church remains a popular visitor attraction as well as being a working place of worship and prayer.

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User Reviews

Paul Pérucaud (7 months ago)
A monumental altarpiece, a sumptuous Entombment, splendid capitals with sculpted decorations from the 12th century, etc. The Saint-Denis church is somewhat forgotten by visitors to the city of Amboise. The first reason is the shadow cast by the prestigious Château d'Amboise and that of Clos Lucé; the second reason, history has retained François 1er and Leonardo da Vinci, seeming to forget that before them, Amboise had a rich life that glorious characters have shaped. This church was built by Hugues I, Lord of Amboise, at the beginning of the 12th century. It replaced an oratory on this place, built in the 4th century by (Saint) Martin of Tours, proclaimed bishop by the inhabitants of Tours against his will. This oratory had itself replaced a temple of pagan worship, proof if necessary of the spiritual constancy of the population of the city. Transformed over the centuries, architectural influences are diverse, partial restorations and reconstructions have made it possible to preserve this church. At the beginning of Romanesque style, the modifications or additions intervened at the end of the 12th, then the 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th centuries. These architectural variations bring a certain fantasy, the harmony is preserved. The building is dark, but efficient lighting highlights the monumental altarpiece and the sumptuous Entombment. The latter as well as the recumbent figure (known as the drowned woman), and the statue of Sainte-Madeleine reading a book were brought around 1770. These are three elements classified by the M.H. coming from the underground chapel of the castle of Bondésir de Montlouis. Beautifully crafted stained-glass windows, splendid decorations carved on the capitals of the choir are to be discovered.

carole mariage (8 months ago)
A special atmosphere in this very dark church inside. However, as soon as the eye is used to it, a slew of details and sculptures emerge. To have

Annie Desecot (9 months ago)
Very beautiful church with an organ that has an exceptional sound Closed except for Masses because of Covid19

Corentin Lamôré (11 months ago)
Church with a large heart that allows you to follow Mass correctly. The sound system is very good. The plus: a carpet with table and markers for the children at the back of the church.

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