Montmorillon - Octagon

The octagon belonged, like the church just seen, to a large "Maison Dieu" ensemble, that was founded as a hospital in the 11th century by Robert II of France (aka "Robert the Pious"), the son of Hugo Capet. This hospital, run by monks, provided food and shelter for the pilgrims and the sick. Though the hospital, that as well was a convent, got severely damaged over the centuries, it always got rebuilt. Today the buildings are renovated and house the local retirement home.

The octagon was erected within the 12th century and was used as chapel and ossuary. I had come to Montmorrilon, to see this structure, as I am interested in medieval octogons. Of course, it was closed already that evening.