Chauvigny - Saint-Pierre

The "Cité Médiéval", the upper town of Chauvigny, situated on a promontery, overlooking the Vienne, has much to offer to the tourist. There are the ruins of five fortresses, palaces, donjons, towers and the former collegiate church of Saint-Pierre. In July in can get really crowded here. Chauvigny has a long history of sieges, lootings, captures and recaptures. In the early 18th century the town was nearly abandoned and in ruins. After the French Revolution the whole area was a public quarry.

The demolition stopped in the 19th century. Renovations and restaurations started mid of the 19th century and saved, what still can be found here today.

I will concentrate on the former Collegiate church Saint-Pierre, founded by the Seigneurs de Chauvigny. End of the 11th century the apse was erected and it took a century to complete the structure. Like all the "Cité Médiéval" it was ruined, but got restaurated mid 19th century. The church is known for the capitals, that are in deed extraordinary.