Saint-Jean-d'Angély

Approaching Saint-Jean-d'Angély, a town that developed once next to the "Abbaye Royale", founded in the 9th century by Pepin I of Aquitaine to house the skull of Saint John the Baptist. Pepin was one of Louis the Pious´ rebellious sons, who deposed their father in 833.

During the Viking raids, the abbey was given up, but refounded thanks to Cluny. The abbey got wealthy and important, as most pilgrims, following the Via Turonensis, stopped here to worship the relics. The abbey got looted during the 100 Years War and burned down during the Wars of Religion.

The two massive towers are ruins of the former abbey church.