Amboise - St. Denis

The construction of this church was started about 1107 by Hugues, the first Lord of Amboise. It replaced an ancient church, probably from the 4th century, dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. The Romanesque church was part of a Benedictine priory, depending from the abbey Saint-Julien de Tours but as well served the parish. The structure got modified and enlarged in the 16th century.

Strange scenes are on (13thc.?) capitals inside the church.

This is a scene from a deadly battle. A massacre. To the very left a soul is already taken by an angel and blessed by God. Maybe. The frieze above has birds to the left. Surprisingly further to the right are a camel and two mermaids. The camel creates a context to the crusades. Maybe not.