Souterrain de la Régle, Medieval underground passageway in Limoges, France.
The Souterrain de la Règle is an underground network beneath Limoges's streets composed of vaulted chambers and corridors. These spaces extend in multiple directions, creating a labyrinthine system that mirrors the medieval structure of the city below ground level.
Construction of these underground rooms began in the 12th century as cellars for the abbey and continued until the 18th century. The different building phases reveal the changing needs of the monastery and its growing importance within the city.
The name refers to the former Abbey of the Rule that once controlled these chambers. Visitors can observe how the vaulted spaces served as storage areas and understand their role in the daily functioning of medieval Limoges.
Visits require a guided tour since the network is protected with doors and locks for safety reasons. Wear comfortable shoes as some paths are uneven and include stairs that go both up and down.
The stable underground conditions allowed monks to cultivate mushrooms here, a practice still visible today through archaeological evidence. This food production method provided year-round supply for the monastery's needs.
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