Abbatiale de Saint Savin (Haute Pyrénées), France - Medieval Churches on Waymarking.com

[FR] Une petite communauté religieuse s'était établie dans ce qui était l'une des places fortes commandant trois des sept vallées du Lavedan. D'abord abbaye bénédictine de Saint Martin, elle sera ensuite dédiée à Saint Savin.

L'ermite vivait à quelques pas de là et les moines obtinrent de faire rapatrier son corps au monastère. La réputation de l'ermite et ses miracles firent affluer fidèles, pèlerins et dotations. Placée sous la protection des comtes de Bigorre, l'abbaye s'épanouit et étend son influence. Au XIIIème siècle, elle contrôle le territoire de sept communes.

Abîmée par les guerres de religion, l'abbaye est abandonnée avant de devenir bien national à la Révolution. En 1854, un violent tremblement de terre aggrave la situation, mais c'est peut-être le déclic qu'il fallait pour que commence sa restauration sous l'égide de Prosper Mérimée.

L'église actuelle date du XIIème, fortifiée au XIVème ; on notera le portail occidental, magnifique plein cintre et à l'intérieur le buffet d'orgue "animé" et "le bénitier des Cagots". Des bâtiments conventuels, seule subsiste la salle capitulaire qui fut transformée en écurie...

[EN] A small religious community had settled in what was one of the strongholds commanding three of the seven valleys of Lavedan. Originally a benedictine abbey dedicated to Saint Martin, it was later rededicated to Saint Savin.

A hermit lived a short distance away and the monks were allowed to repatriate his body to the monastery. The reputation of the hermit and his miracles drew believers, pilgrims and endowments. Placed under the protection of the Counts of Bigorre, the Abbey flourished and spread its influence. In the thirteenth century, it controlled the territory of seven municipalities.

Damaged by the wars of religion, the abbey was abandoned before it became national property during the Revolution. In 1854 a violent earthquake worsened the situation, but this may have been what instigated the restoration under the aegis of Prosper Merimee.

The present church dates from the XIIth century, and it was fortified in the XIVth century. Of particular interest is the west door, and beautiful full arch and inside, the "animated" organ "lively" and "the font of Cagots". Regarding the convent buildings, all that remains is the chapter house which was transformed into a stable ...

Building Materials: Stone

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