LE PUY-EN-VELAY CATHEDRAL COMPLEX
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Cloister of Le Puy-en-Velay cathedral, home to a museum of religious art and a collection of embroidered liturgical textiles.
Among the many treasures of Le Puy-en-Velay cathedral, it's impossible not to fall under the spell of the cloister! While the church was founded in the5th century, this architectural masterpiece was built in the 11th, 11thand 12thcenturies . A major pilgrimage site in connection with the Virgin Mary, the sanctuary soon became an important crossroads for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A chapter of 40 to 60 canons testifies to the power of this "international" sanctuary, which was endowed with a precious cloister reserved for them. A sublime legacy of Romanesque art, this space enclosed by four colorful galleries features polychrome arcades topped by mosaics of oriental inspiration, which cohabit harmoniously with a large series of 154 figured capitals. Not to mention the particularly impressive sculpted cornice, filled with angels, foliage and fantastical creatures... The cloister was listed as a historic monument in 1862. Restoration work has been carried out since the 15th century, but both the Romanesque decor and the architecture have been rebuilt in the original spirit of the buildings. Period frescoes, such as those in the chapter house depicting the crucifixion (13th century) and the historiated capitals (12th century), are also to be found. During your visit, take time to explore the museum of religious art.
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Members' reviews on LE PUY-EN-VELAY CATHEDRAL COMPLEX
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
1/ visite du cloitre roman superbe du 11 et 12e s.
2/ logis des Clergeons 12e s : salle capitulaire fresque crucifixion insp. Byzantin 13e s, tribune nord fresque St Michel terrassant dragon, appartement du Prieur salle des Griffons fresques et cheminée 12 e s,
3/ Trésor : olifant ivoire, broderies et habits liturgiques etc,
4/ Baptistère St Jean du 6e s. ressemblant à celui de Frejus et peut être ceux d'Aix en Provence et Poitiers à découvrir...
On peut se ressourcer au jardin café du Camino, seul endroit où l'on peut se restaurer, tenu par des bénévoles aussi bienvenus...
Magnifique cloître