https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/93193 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/105/57/EF/323415.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/93193 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:37:44 +0000 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:37:44 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180648 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-19,doc-53180648 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:15:17 +0000 2025-08-01T14:13:58+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180648"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/48/53180648.50b934ff.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="195" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The clock tower is part of the town hall behind, which was an Ursuline convent until the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The square clock tower was actually built between 1794 and 1798 to house a clock that the city had acquired as state property in 1791.<br /> <br /> Up there three jacquemarts (aka "quarter-jacks") strike the bells</div> Aigueperse - Hôtel de ville <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180648"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/48/53180648.50b934ff.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="195" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The clock tower is part of the town hall behind, which was an Ursuline convent until the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The square clock tower was actually built between 1794 and 1798 to house a clock that the city had acquired as state property in 1791.<br /> <br /> Up there three jacquemarts (aka "quarter-jacks") strike the bells</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180644 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-19,doc-53180644 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:59:24 +0000 2025-08-01T14:13:51+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180644"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/44/53180644.e899409d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="193" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The clock tower is part of the town hall behind, which was an Ursuline convent until the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The square clock tower was actually built between 1794 and 1798 to house a clock that the city had acquired as state property in 1791</div> Aigueperse - Hôtel de ville <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180644"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/44/53180644.e899409d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="193" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The clock tower is part of the town hall behind, which was an Ursuline convent until the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The square clock tower was actually built between 1794 and 1798 to house a clock that the city had acquired as state property in 1791</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180548 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-19,doc-53180548 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:49:17 +0000 2025-08-01T14:01:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180548"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/48/53180548.464f9d61.240.jpg?r2" width="128" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> Numerous murals adorn the interior<br /> <br /> <br /> The "Harrowing of Hell"<br /> The Myrrhbearers</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180548"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/48/53180548.464f9d61.240.jpg?r2" width="128" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> Numerous murals adorn the interior<br /> <br /> <br /> The "Harrowing of Hell"<br /> The Myrrhbearers</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180540 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-19,doc-53180540 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:25:05 +0000 2025-08-01T14:01:52+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180540"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/40/53180540.efcbad8f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="184" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> <br /> Numerous murals adorn the interior</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180540"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/40/53180540.efcbad8f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="184" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> <br /> Numerous murals adorn the interior</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180534 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-19,doc-53180534 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:04:30 +0000 2025-08-01T13:59:27+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180534"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/34/53180534.6aa0ffee.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="211" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> <br /> Numerous murals adorn the interior</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53180534"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/34/53180534.6aa0ffee.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="211" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> <br /> Numerous murals adorn the interior</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179960 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-18,doc-53179960 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:17:53 +0000 2025-08-01T13:55:20+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179960"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/60/53179960.77d76877.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="204" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179960"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/60/53179960.77d76877.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="204" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179920 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-18,doc-53179920 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:01:57 +0000 2025-08-01T13:46:28+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179920"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/20/53179920.b47107b7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="190" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> Under pressure</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179920"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/20/53179920.b47107b7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="190" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> Under pressure</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179916 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-18,doc-53179916 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:46:34 +0000 2025-08-01T14:07:36+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179916"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/16/53179916.fa390a18.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="225" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The early Gothic side portal</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179916"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/16/53179916.fa390a18.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="225" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The early Gothic side portal</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179886 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-18,doc-53179886 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:30:48 +0000 2025-08-01T14:09:40+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179886"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/86/53179886.12655a9d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179886"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/86/53179886.12655a9d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179132 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-18,doc-53179132 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:13:17 +0000 2025-08-01T13:53:02+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179132"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/91/32/53179132.c4477576.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="206" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179132"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/91/32/53179132.c4477576.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="206" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52505404 tag:ipernity.com,2024-06-19,doc-52505404 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 18:28:33 +0000 2023-10-01T13:22:27+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52505404"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/54/04/52505404.27a8eeb2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="173" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">When Charlemagne spent Christmas here in 775, Sélestat was probably little more than a village. Today, Sélestat claims to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree, based on an invoice dating back to 1521.<br /> <br /> When in 1964 the Knoepfli company opened the shop in what was then a very modern building, it was a big step for the bed and mattress business. After 59 years, the shop was closed and a tenant was sought for the 600m².</div> Sélestat - Knoepfli <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52505404"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/54/04/52505404.27a8eeb2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="173" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">When Charlemagne spent Christmas here in 775, Sélestat was probably little more than a village. Today, Sélestat claims to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree, based on an invoice dating back to 1521.<br /> <br /> When in 1964 the Knoepfli company opened the shop in what was then a very modern building, it was a big step for the bed and mattress business. After 59 years, the shop was closed and a tenant was sought for the 600m².</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/50624354 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-14,doc-50624354 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:27:17 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/50624354"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/54/50624354.f375e93e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore erected on the Mont-Cornadore over the tomb of Saint Nectaire, a scholar of missionary Saint Austremonius of Clermont, the first bishop of the Auvergne.<br /> <br /> Not much is known of the very early days here. 800 years after the death of Saint Nectaire, monks from the abbey La Chaise-Dieu settled and founding a priory here , after an estate was ceded to the abbey by William VII of Auvergne, called "The Young" (his uncle was "William the Old"). This must have taken place before 1169. Two Papal bulls deal with the properties of La Chaise-Dieu, the second one from 1178 lists Saint-Nectaire.<br /> <br /> It is not known, who built this church, nor who funded the construction. Maybe William VII or the abbey La Chaise-Dieu or mysterious Ranulfo, whose name can be seen on one of the capitals?<br /> <br /> The historians only agree, that this church was erected within the second half of the 12th century in a short period of time. Badly damaged during the French Revolution, the church got restaurated during the 19th century. This work is still disputed for not being "faithful" to the original, as some arcades (mainly outside) were added at that time.<br /> <br /> Most of capitals in the nave are not bible-related, like the pillarheads on the choir.<br /> <br /> A goat-rider meeting an animal playing the harp. I have seen both "icons" already before but never together on one capital. Mostly the harpist is a donkey, but here it is not. Donkeys have a different head (with long ears), no wooly hair - and different hoofs. This even-toed animal could well be a giant sheep.</div> Saint-Nectaire - Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/50624354"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/54/50624354.f375e93e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Cornadore erected on the Mont-Cornadore over the tomb of Saint Nectaire, a scholar of missionary Saint Austremonius of Clermont, the first bishop of the Auvergne.<br /> <br /> Not much is known of the very early days here. 800 years after the death of Saint Nectaire, monks from the abbey La Chaise-Dieu settled and founding a priory here , after an estate was ceded to the abbey by William VII of Auvergne, called "The Young" (his uncle was "William the Old"). This must have taken place before 1169. Two Papal bulls deal with the properties of La Chaise-Dieu, the second one from 1178 lists Saint-Nectaire.<br /> <br /> It is not known, who built this church, nor who funded the construction. Maybe William VII or the abbey La Chaise-Dieu or mysterious Ranulfo, whose name can be seen on one of the capitals?<br /> <br /> The historians only agree, that this church was erected within the second half of the 12th century in a short period of time. Badly damaged during the French Revolution, the church got restaurated during the 19th century. This work is still disputed for not being "faithful" to the original, as some arcades (mainly outside) were added at that time.<br /> <br /> Most of capitals in the nave are not bible-related, like the pillarheads on the choir.<br /> <br /> A goat-rider meeting an animal playing the harp. I have seen both "icons" already before but never together on one capital. Mostly the harpist is a donkey, but here it is not. Donkeys have a different head (with long ears), no wooly hair - and different hoofs. This even-toed animal could well be a giant sheep.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214314 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-06,doc-41214314 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:24:48 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214314"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/14/41214314.ca229284.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat.<br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the building got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on over centuries.<br /> <br /> The same capital as before, now from a different pov. While Zygmunt Świechowski ("Sculpture romane d'Auvergne") had the idea of "virtues",<br /> Bernard Craplet ("Auvergne romane") quotes Émile Mâle, having deciphered this capital. Note that the beard seems cut (a bit unpropper) and remember, that the "soldier" wears civilian clothes and seems floating. <br /> <br /> Following Émile Mâle, this carving illustrates <br /> <br /> Book of Ezekiel 5.1<br /> <br /> <br /> 1 And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair.<br /> 2 Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.</div> Royat - Saint-Léger <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214314"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/14/41214314.ca229284.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat.<br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the building got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on over centuries.<br /> <br /> The same capital as before, now from a different pov. While Zygmunt Świechowski ("Sculpture romane d'Auvergne") had the idea of "virtues",<br /> Bernard Craplet ("Auvergne romane") quotes Émile Mâle, having deciphered this capital. Note that the beard seems cut (a bit unpropper) and remember, that the "soldier" wears civilian clothes and seems floating. <br /> <br /> Following Émile Mâle, this carving illustrates <br /> <br /> Book of Ezekiel 5.1<br /> <br /> <br /> 1 And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair.<br /> 2 Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214312 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-06,doc-41214312 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:10:00 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214312"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/12/41214312.cfb09b60.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat.<br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the building got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on over centuries.<br /> <br /> The left of the capitals in the nave just seen (on the preceding photo). There is a grape bearing vine to the right. Next is a young person holding a sword. On the left a bearded man, holding a scale. I had the impression, that this was a kind of echo of the "virtues", seen in Volvic (15mks north), where a soldier, holding a spear, stands for "fortitudo" and a man, holding a scale" stands for "iustitia". Actually even the fence-like background of the carvings is similar. Zygmunt Świechowski ("Sculpture romane d'Auvergne") had the same idea. But why does the soldier wears civilian clothes, why is he floating. There is another theory - see the next photo.</div> Royat - Saint-Léger <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214312"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/12/41214312.cfb09b60.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat.<br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the building got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on over centuries.<br /> <br /> The left of the capitals in the nave just seen (on the preceding photo). There is a grape bearing vine to the right. Next is a young person holding a sword. On the left a bearded man, holding a scale. I had the impression, that this was a kind of echo of the "virtues", seen in Volvic (15mks north), where a soldier, holding a spear, stands for "fortitudo" and a man, holding a scale" stands for "iustitia". Actually even the fence-like background of the carvings is similar. Zygmunt Świechowski ("Sculpture romane d'Auvergne") had the same idea. But why does the soldier wears civilian clothes, why is he floating. There is another theory - see the next photo.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214302 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-05,doc-41214302 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:12:23 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214302"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/02/41214302.2eeedcb7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="190" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat. <br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the structure got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on. The unique skyline was created within the 19th century, when the tower got the battlement, so now it looks more like a castle than a church. Approaching Royat by car gives (for 3 seconds at 40km/h) a dramatic view onto this skyline, as (not to seen here) Saint-Léger is standing on a deep gulch, what actually is a congealed lava stream</div> Royat - Saint-Léger <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214302"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/02/41214302.2eeedcb7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="190" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat. <br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the structure got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on. The unique skyline was created within the 19th century, when the tower got the battlement, so now it looks more like a castle than a church. Approaching Royat by car gives (for 3 seconds at 40km/h) a dramatic view onto this skyline, as (not to seen here) Saint-Léger is standing on a deep gulch, what actually is a congealed lava stream</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214306 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-05,doc-41214306 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:43:15 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214306"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/06/41214306.955e06bf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="192" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat.<br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the building got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on over centuries. <br /> <br /> Facing east through the narrow, but high nave. The old romanesque apse is gone and replaced by a rectangular choir, built over a (new) crypt. There are only two notable capitals, both seen from here, as they are in the middle of the nave. While the pretty right one is the common "foliage-type", the left one tells a story.</div> Royat - Saint-Léger <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214306"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/06/41214306.955e06bf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="192" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Léger is the parish church of Royat in the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand. This was once the church of a priory, depending from Mozat.<br /> <br /> The structure has a complex building history. Dating back to the 11th century, the building got a first fortification within the 13th century. Construction went on and on over centuries. <br /> <br /> Facing east through the narrow, but high nave. The old romanesque apse is gone and replaced by a rectangular choir, built over a (new) crypt. There are only two notable capitals, both seen from here, as they are in the middle of the nave. While the pretty right one is the common "foliage-type", the left one tells a story.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214268 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-04,doc-41214268 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:05:44 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214268"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/68/41214268.2b98475f.240.jpg?r2" width="181" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> Branches form a W and a Y, but I am sure, that´s just a geometrical pattern. <br /> Interesting that on the left a flower is placed in the center of the Y, while on the right there is a small human face in that position.</div> Volvic - Saint-Priest <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214268"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/68/41214268.2b98475f.240.jpg?r2" width="181" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> Branches form a W and a Y, but I am sure, that´s just a geometrical pattern. <br /> Interesting that on the left a flower is placed in the center of the Y, while on the right there is a small human face in that position.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214262 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-04,doc-41214262 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:57:11 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214262"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/62/41214262.c1857d19.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> Four men around a capital, standing like protecting something, what is behind the "palisade" behind them. In the center is a soldier, wearing a chain mail and holding a spear to the left and a shield to the right. The person to the left has his hand on that spear, while on the right side holds a book.<br /> <br /> I found in Bernard Craplet´s "Auvergne romane", that these men stand for the four cardinal virtues, as above that fence could be read "sapientia", "iustitia", "fortitudo" and "temperantia". <br /> I can read here FORTITUDO, so this is connected to the soldier. The right person with the book may stand for "sapientia". The left person holds a scale in his right hand (not be seen), so he may stand for ""iustitia".</div> Volvic - Saint-Priest <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214262"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/62/41214262.c1857d19.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> Four men around a capital, standing like protecting something, what is behind the "palisade" behind them. In the center is a soldier, wearing a chain mail and holding a spear to the left and a shield to the right. The person to the left has his hand on that spear, while on the right side holds a book.<br /> <br /> I found in Bernard Craplet´s "Auvergne romane", that these men stand for the four cardinal virtues, as above that fence could be read "sapientia", "iustitia", "fortitudo" and "temperantia". <br /> I can read here FORTITUDO, so this is connected to the soldier. The right person with the book may stand for "sapientia". The left person holds a scale in his right hand (not be seen), so he may stand for ""iustitia".</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214264 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-04,doc-41214264 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:37:32 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214264"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/64/41214264.e59f0ed9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> According to Bernard Craplet ("Auvergne romane"), who could decipher the inscription running all around the capital, this depicts a donation. On the left is the young lay donor William of Bezac who gives the cleric/prior the column as a symbol for the church, that William had financed. Seen as a "next step" on the back of this capital are two angels consecrating the altar.</div> Volvic - Saint-Priest <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214264"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/64/41214264.e59f0ed9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> According to Bernard Craplet ("Auvergne romane"), who could decipher the inscription running all around the capital, this depicts a donation. On the left is the young lay donor William of Bezac who gives the cleric/prior the column as a symbol for the church, that William had financed. Seen as a "next step" on the back of this capital are two angels consecrating the altar.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214258 tag:ipernity.com,2011-11-04,doc-41214258 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:35:23 +0000 2011-04-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214258"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/58/41214258.0896e4ca.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="213" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> Four angels around a capital, holding banners with the names of the four evangelists. Here to be seen "MATEUS".</div> Volvic - Saint-Priest <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41214258"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/58/41214258.0896e4ca.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="213" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are two products, this small town, near Riom is pretty famous for.<br /> There are the black stones from Volvic, used all over the Auvergne. The gothic cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand is built from the black stones, coming from Volvic.<br /> <br /> The younger product is the "Volvic" mineral water. Zillions of plastic bottles, filled with Volvic-water leave this place every week or month.<br /> <br /> Long time before Danone (Evian, Badoit, La Salvetat....) entered the stage in Volvic, this place was owned by St. Priest (aka Priest de Clermont, aka Saint Praejectus), bishop of Clermont. St. Priest was stabbed to death here in 676 and immediately was venerated as a martyr. His sucessor Avitor founded an abbey here, that later was depending from Mozac (1169).<br /> <br /> The capitals in St. Priest do not have the wonderful, sleek elegance of the carvings seen in the former abbey church in Mozac (5kms east) or Notre-Dame-Du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand (15kms south), but they use the same "icons", that are so typical all over the Auvergne: sirens, griffons, eagles..<br /> <br /> Four angels around a capital, holding banners with the names of the four evangelists. Here to be seen "MATEUS".</div> Martin M. Miles