Église Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers de Saumur, Royal chapel in Saumur, France
The Église Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers is a church in Saumur built with a circular rotunda set inside a square outer structure, creating a distinctive geometric arrangement. Deep recesses carved into each corner of the square form eight separate chapels, each with its own distinct character and space for worship.
Construction of this building started in the 1530s as work began on a sanctuary at this location. In the early 1600s, the Oratorian Fathers took charge of the site and transformed it into a royal chapel.
The building represents a 17th-century approach to church design that gave worshippers separate prayer spaces, reflecting the religious ideas of that era. The eight chapels built into its corners allowed visitors to experience their faith in a more personal way.
The church is open on most days, though morning hours are best avoided when services are taking place. Take time to explore the interior slowly, paying attention to each of the eight corner chapels which are easy to overlook.
According to local tradition, everything started when a farmer discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary while working his land in the 16th century. This unexpected find inspired people to build a sanctuary at that very spot.
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