Chauvigny - Saint-Pierre

A small community of Canons in Chauvigny was founded by the Seigneurs de Chauvigny around 1025. Bishop Isembert I of Poitiers (+ 1047) was a Seigneur de Chauvigny, as well as his sucessor.

The erection of the Collegiate church started end of the 11th century. It took about a century to complete the structure. The church was in the center of the heavily fortified stronghold, that has a long history of sieges, lootings, captures and recaptures. The "Cité Médiéval" was in ruins end of the 18th century.

Mid 19th century the restauration process started. Since then the interior of Saint-Pierre has this distinctive colour-scheme of white and red. The church is known for the capitals, that are in deed extraordinary.

A psychostasia, the "weighing of souls", to the left. Archangel Gabriel holds the scales. To the right a devil tries to cheat, holding down the
balance beam. HIS E DIABOLUS is written above the devil.

Next to this is a thoughtful prophet labeled BABILONIA DESERT. This probably refers to

Revelation 18 : "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!"

Actually the prophet looks a bit like the tired, contemplating Joseph, who can often be found near the Nativity scene. And this is near, as to the right is one of the shepherds ("PASTORES"), to whom Gabriel announces Christ's birth (around the corner).