Abbatiale Saint-Pierre d'Airvault

Airvault

Founded in the 10th century — tradition attributes the initiative to Aldéarde d'Aulnay, Viscountess of Thouars — the abbey of Airvault was entrusted to canons of Saint Augustine. The present church was built "from about 1050 to 1100" under Abbot Pierre de Saine-Fontaine, who had come to reform the house: nave with aisles, wide transept, choir with ambulatory and radiating chapels. The first Romanesque portal was later given a projecting forebuilding forming a narthex, an arrangement unique in Poitou. Inside, sculpted decoration of rare richness enlivens the half-columns, flanked by consoles in high relief showing animal masks that carry statuettes; the capitals tell of Daniel in the lions' den and the creation of Eve, while sirens (Lust) and phoenixes (eternity) moralise the stone. Local memory has made Pierre de Saine-Fontaine a near-saint: his tomb, preserved in the abbey church, was the object of lasting veneration, and tradition also credits him with building the bridge of Vernay over the Thouet, on the pilgrims' way. In 2002, the forecourt was cleared down to its original level and the facade restored.

Getting there : Town centre of Airvault, place Saint-Pierre; free admission, parking nearby; the Romanesque bridge of Vernay is 2 km downstream on the Thouet

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound