Solignac - Saint-Pierre

Late afternoon in Solignac, where a convent had been founded mid 7th century by Saint Eloi ("Saint Eligius"), who was a kind of senior adviser for the Merovingian kings Clotaire II and his son Dagobert I, the last of the Merovingian kings.

The monastery thrived and soon more than 100 monks lived here. But during the 8th century it suffered from Saracen raids, followed by the Normans, who arrived here and looted the monastery a century later. When more and more pilgrims walked along the Via Lemovicensis, they all passed through here - and so the convent´s wealth and importance grew. Even a (still existing) bridge over the near river Briance got constructed during that time.

The monks started the erection of the abbey-church, seen here, in the first decade of the 12th century. The structure was completed already about a century later.

During the Hundred Years´ War the buildings of the abbey got partly destroyed, Calvinistic iconoclasts were here several times during the Wars of Religions. All formerly monastery buildings next to this church date back to the 18th century and now serve as a retirement home, only the impressive church, seen here from west, survived the times and by now is well preserved.

Some years ago, when I walked the Via Lemovizenis, I opened the gate to the right and stepped into the garden, to see that side of the church. Within a minute, I was caught by a grumpy and unfriendly human watchdog, who threatened to call the local gendarmes to arrest me, but then mercifully just kicked me out.