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Chapelle Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe
Aiguilhe
Dimensions
perched on top of a volcanic pinnacle 82 to 85 m high, 268 steps cut into the rock
Period
Consecrated in 961 by Bishop Godescalc, enlarged in the 12th century
What stands there
1 Romanesque chapel on the summit of a former volcanic vent, dedicated to Saint Michael since the 10th century
Perched on the summit of a volcanic pinnacle reached by 268 steps cut into the rock, this chapel was consecrated in 961 by Bishop Godescalc and enlarged in the 12th century with a nave, ambulatory and gallery. One of the very first monuments placed on Prosper Mérimée's first list of monuments historiques in 1840, it has several times been voted the "French people's favourite monument". According to legend, Joan of Arc's mother, Isabelle Romée, prayed here in 1429.
Wikipédia — Chapelle Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe ↗
Getting there : Admission charge, seasonal opening hours
Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.
Ambient sound
Nearby
- Rocher Corneille et statue Notre-Dame de FranceSacred hill · Le Puy-en-Velay · 0.4 km
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation du Puy-en-VelayCathedral · Le Puy-en-Velay · 0.5 km
- Château de PolignacLegendary castle · Polignac · 2.8 km
- Cascade de la BeaumeLegendary waterfall · Solignac-sur-Loire · 12 km
- Château d'ArlempdesLegendary castle · Arlempdes · 21 km
- Lac d'IssarlèsLegendary lake / pond · Le Lac-d'Issarlès · 27 km
This place in the great stories
- Saint Michael on the heights: from the Gargano to the Mont, and yesterday's “line”Sanctuaries of the archangel, 5th-15th century; the “sacred line”, an idea of 1977
- The Ways of St James: from the tomb in Galicia to the four routes of FranceTomb recognised c. 820-830; first known pilgrim (Godescalc of Le Puy) in 950-951; Book of…