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Latest Tournus hotel reviews
The transepts and chancel of the church were built last, in the 12C. That is why there is no stone carving in the nave or on the outside. In the transept there are a few frightening roughly carved capitals. The technic proceeds from the corners of the block. Any sort of figure may result; lesser craftsmen were not expected to exhibit sensitivity. The figures are devilish and perhaps sinful.
Written Nov 12, 2008
Next to the church is the main street of the town with tower remnants of the defensive walls adapted to residential use. Almost next door is the monastic Refectory now utilized as a sales venue for the visiting tourist.
Written Nov 12, 2008
The cloister once stood along the south wall of the church. Along its east edge is the Chapter House, still extant, now a shop with specific exhibits. Its pointed vaulting can be seen through the windows still framed with ancient stone carving. You can confirm the location by seeing the old well at the cloister center.
Written Nov 12, 2008
The church was founded to house the remains of St. Philibert which the monks had brought from Normandy. Needles to say his tomb is prominently displayed in the absidial chapel. In the south aisle is a 12C statue "Notre-Dame La Brune" (yet another brown Virgin). Near the altar is an ancient lectern, while overhead is an unusual 17C "swallow's-nest" organ case.
Written Nov 9, 2008
The church was built upon an older one, retaining its 10C Narthex. The choir was narrowed to utilize the previous crypt. The rose colored stone was used to make banding in some of the arches, a conceit resembling Cordoba (which they probably did not know). The vaulting was accomplished with transverse barrel vaults over massive cylindrical columns in the nave.
Written Nov 9, 2008
The outside of this 10-11 C church is stark in a carved pinkish hued stone with the only decoration being Lombard blind arch bands and crenellations between the towers. The North Tower has an 11C belfry. The doorway is unadorned. The apse is built over a narrow crypt but ascending from it is the typical Romanesque cascade of chapels, ambulatory and crossing tower.
Written Nov 9, 2008
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The monks of Saint Philibert, fleeing the Norman invaders, asked Charles the current King, for a safe place to preserve the relics of their patron saint. Charles bequeathed the borough of Tournus to them. The monks subsequently built their abbey now known as ABBAYE SAINT PHILIBERT.
The present abbey was built mainly in the XIth century.
Updated Dec 19, 2004
Address: Center of Tournus
Helpfulness
The most significant structure in the medieval town of Tournus is definitely the ABBAYE SAINT PHILIBERT.
Written Dec 19, 2004
Address: Center of Tournus
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Reviews and photos of Tournus attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Tournus sightseeing.
The most significant structure in the medieval town of Tournus is definitely the ABBAYE SAINT PHILIBERT.
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1
Located at the edge of the Saone, TOURNUS is in the province of Bourgogne. On Wednesday September 27, 2000 Hans, Wim and I stopped in Tournus on our way to Hans' sister in Lanty, not too far from...
2
Yet Another Burgundian Romanesque Church Town
The town of Tournus (pop. 6.7K) sits astride the N6 and near the A67 at the head of the Maconnais wine district, which is the northern continuation of the Beaujolais vineyards. Over many decades, we...
3
St. Philibert is the most beautiful church I have visited in France. A good second is the modern Jeanne d'Arc church in Rouen. My photo's date from pre-digital camera era so I need to scan them...
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