Saint-Robert - Saint-Robert

Once "Saint Robert" was the center of a thriving priory, dependent on the important Bendictian abbey "La Chaise-Dieu" in the Auvergne (250kms east). The priory got established here around 1080, the erection of the large pilgrim-church started soon after. The church is dedicated to Saint Robert, aka Robert de Turlande. He had founded La Chaise Dieu in 1053, and got canonized already in 1070.

This church got ruined during the Hundred Years´ War - and what can be still seen is transept, crossing tower, choir ambulatory. Where the large nave was, the parking lot stretches now. The ruins of the nave finally got demolished around.

After the French Revolution the church was used for the fabrication and storage of weapons and ammunition. It got restored within the 19th century. The village of Saint-Robert surrounding the church is one of the nicest in France - a "plus beaux villages de France".

All churches, designed and built for the pilgrims, have a similar design with choir/apse and ambulatory. Saint-Robert is sometimes compared with Saint-Pierre in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (70kms southeast). I do see strong parallels to churches in the Auvergne and even Burgundy. The monks from "La Chaise-Dieu" probably sent experienced architects and masons to the priory. Some of the delicately carved capitals here are mutilated, some seem not completed.

These beardpullers are not mutilated at all. Beardpullers can often be found on capitals, created within the 11th/12th century. Some see them a symbol of masturbation. These two gentlemen are so perfectly carved, that for a while I saw them as a work brought in here during the recent renovation, but I could not find a proof.