Saint Girons Crypt

The crypt of Saint Girons is a jewel of French Romanesque art. The crypt is all that remains of the church of an old abbey that is now defunct.

The abbey was built in the 4th century , on the banks of the Louts, a tributary of the Adour , on the site of the martyrdom of Saint Girons, evangelizer of the Roman province of Novempopulania. Its creation would date back to the time of Charlemagne , but there is no indication of a religious community until the 12th century when it is recorded in the donations made to the Lescar chapter. The church, damaged during the Hundred Years War and during the wars of religion, was totally destroyed in 1904, saving only the crypt.

The restored vault is supported by columns surmounted by capitals carved with biblical, mythological or vegetal motifs and ornate cymbals . The four central columns are made of red and black marble, originating from an earlier Gallo-Roman building.

References:

• second.wiki

Address

Avenue Corisande 789, Hagetmau, France

Details

Founded: 4th century AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in France
Historical period: Roman Gaul (France)