Église Saint-Étienne de Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre, Medieval church in Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre, France.
Saint-Étienne in Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre is a Romanesque basilica featuring a circular rotunda supported by eleven interior columns and topped by a distinctive conical roof. The structure was modeled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and holds status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Construction began in 1040 under Lord Eudes de Déols, who commissioned the sanctuary as a replica of the Jerusalem Holy Sepulchre. This founding was part of a broader movement to recreate sacred sites in Western Europe.
The church serves as an important pilgrimage destination, holding two drops of Christ's blood that were sent in 1257 by Cardinal Eudes de Châteauroux. This religious relic continues to draw visitors seeking to connect with the spiritual significance of the place.
The church welcomes visitors year-round, with guided tours offered on weekends for those who wish to explore the architecture in depth. It is advisable to check ahead about tour availability, as offerings may vary by season.
The eleven columns of the rotunda symbolize the remaining apostles after Judas's betrayal, shaping the sacred geometry of the building. This architectural feature reflects the theological meaning that Lord Eudes de Déols incorporated into the sanctuary.
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