Saint-Pierre Abbey, Airvault, France

The Saint-Pierre Abbey in Airvault was initially a collegiate church of regular canons of Saint Augustine, founded around 990 by Audéarde, wife of Viscount Herbert I of Thouars. As the canons were lax in following the rules of the Order of Saint Augustine, the Bishop of Poitiers decided to send a monk from the Augustinian abbey of Lesterps in Limousin to reform it. Pierre de Fonte Salubri (of Saine Fontaine) was appointed the first abbot of Airvault in 1096 and died on August 7, 1110. He undertook the construction of the abbey church. According to the Chronicle of Saint-Maixent, the church was consecrated in 1100 but subsequently underwent modifications and additions.

After the creation of the diocese of Maillezais in 1317, transferred to La Rochelle in 1648, the abbey became dependent on it.

During the Revolution a road was pierced through the abbey separating the convent buildings of the abbey. Several buildings are still visible as the room called the 'vat', the 'prison' (fortified gate), underground rooms, the fourteenth-century chapel and especially the abbey house which has hosted since 1975 the municipal museum.

User Reviews

Pierre Cornu (10 months ago)
Pretty little church in Airvault to see if you pass by in the old center which is also very pretty. The Saint-Pierre church is built on the site of an old collegiate church; the only remaining element of this collegiate church is a chapel, juxtaposed to the western massif of the current church, and which dates back to the 10th century. I recommend

Léo Péquin (11 months ago)
A magnificent Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It is quite bright throughout the nave, but a little darker at the heart. It is truly beautiful and full of history.

Liz Bone (3 years ago)
Attractive very old church

Victoria Simmonds (5 years ago)
Great visit. If only we had had long

Chris ling (6 years ago)
Lots to recommend if your in the area.

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