Abbaye de Nouaillé-Maupertuis, Medieval abbey in Nouaillé-Maupertuis, France.
Abbaye de Nouaillé-Maupertuis is a monastery set in a valley along the Miosson River with fortified walls, towers, and moats surrounding the complex. Three separate crypts lie beneath the Romanesque church, each revealing architectural styles from different periods.
The monastery was founded in the 9th century and developed into a fortified complex over many centuries. A pivotal moment came in 1356 during the Battle of Poitiers when King John II of France was captured at this location.
The octagonal tower displays carved capitals showing New Testament scenes, revealing how medieval craftspeople expressed their faith through stone work. These carvings offer visitors a window into the religious beliefs and artistic values of the time.
Access to the monastery is free and visitors can explore the Romanesque church, medieval garden layouts, and architectural elements spanning different eras. It is useful to allow time to visit the crypts beneath the church and view the fortified structures surrounding the grounds.
Three crypts were discovered in 1945 containing ancient columns and remnants of wall paintings that span centuries. These findings reveal layers of construction and decoration added at different moments in the monastery's history.
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