THE MONASTIC CITY OF CHARITY ON LOIRE
One of Burgundy's largest restoration projects: the monastic city of La Charité-sur-Loire.
Since 2001, the Cluniac priory at La Charité has been one of the largest restoration projects in Burgundy. A major site of Burgundian Romanesque art, La Charité-sur-Loire (one of Cluny's five "eldest daughters") extended over more than 400 outbuildings and was an important stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Founded in 1059 and consecrated on March 9, 1097, the Cluny priory could accommodate 5,000 worshippers. The Sainte-Croix tower, now isolated, is a reminder that Notre-Dame church, at 122 metres long, 27 metres high and 37 metres wide, was one of the largest buildings in Christendom after Cluny in the 12th century.
The choir and transept are marked by the elegance of 11th- and 12th-century architecture, and the richness of their sculpted decorations has largely contributed to the priory church's great renown. Saved from certain destruction by the writer Prosper Mérimée, then Inspector of Historic Monuments, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1998. The recently restored conventual buildings showcase their architectural splendor during exhibitions and concerts held in these sacred spaces. There's no doubt about it: a visit to the monastic city of La Charité-sur-Loire is an absolute must when visiting the region. In itself, it's well worth the detour! One of Burgundy's historical and architectural gems.
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