Abbey of Saint Martial, Limoges, Romanesque abbey ruins in Limoges, France
The Abbey of Saint Martial is a Romanesque monastery in Limoges featuring multiple structures and an underground crypt area. The cryptic tomb of Saint Martial, the first bishop of Limoges from the third century, remains preserved beneath the site.
The monastery was founded in 848 under Charles the Bald and developed into a major religious center in the region. It was dissolved during the French Revolution in 1791.
The monastery became a major center for musical composition in the Middle Ages, housing sacred works that shaped Western liturgical traditions. Visitors can sense this musical heritage through the structure and remains visible today.
Access to the underground crypt is through steps at Place de la République, and entry is free. The site is easy to reach and the subterranean spaces are straightforward to navigate.
In 1031, Saint Martial received apostolic status, which significantly increased pilgrimage activity at the site. This made the monastery a major stopping point for pilgrims traveling between Tours and Santiago.
Location: Limoges
Inception: 9 century
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
GPS coordinates: 45.83140,1.25980
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Limoges, a city in central France, shows traces of its long history through streets, bridges and buildings. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral rises above the old town with its colored glass windows, while the Bénédictins railway station welcomes travelers with its decorated facade and large hall. The Vienne River flows through the city, crossed by old stone bridges like Pont Saint-Étienne, which offers views of the riverbanks. Rue de la Boucherie preserves the legacy of the medieval butchers' guild with its half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Museums display porcelain and medieval enamels, including the Musée National Adrien Dubouché and the Musée de l'Évêché. Parks like Jardin de l'Évêché or Parc Victor Thuillat provide places to walk. The Halles Centrales bring life to the city center with its market, while squares and fountains like Fontaine des Barres serve as meeting points in daily life.
Église Saint-Michel-des-Lions à Limoges
229 m
Opéra de Limoges
116 m
Pavillon du Verdurier de Limoges
136 m
Halles de Limoges
322 m
Church of St. Pierre du Queyroix
125 m
Siège du cercle de l'Union et Turgot de Limoges
324 m
Hôtel Maledent de Savignac de Feytiat
108 m
Hôtel de préfecture de la Haute-Vienne, Limoges
307 m
Fontaine des Barres
235 m
Présidial de la généralité du Limousin
249 m
Hôtel Estienne de la Rivière
197 m
Maison des Templiers de Limoges
168 m
Hôtel Bourdeau de Lajudie
131 m
Fontaine d'Aigoulène
233 m
Hôtel Martin de La Bastide
251 m
Intendance du Limousin
232 m
Hôtel Naurissart
141 m
Couvent des Filles-Notre-Dame de Limoges
216 m
Croix de Limoges
368 m
Hôtel Muret
158 m
Rue du Consulat
172 m
Présidial de la généralité du Limousin
230 m
Maison, 43 rue du Clocher
188 m
Hôtel particulier, 7 rue Ferrerie, Limoges
228 m
Chapelle de l'ancien collège des Jésuites de Limoges
191 m
Immeubles, 44, 46 rue de la Boucherie, Limoges
335 m
Immeuble, 38 rue de la Boucherie, Limoges
340 m
Maison, 22 rue du Consulat
188 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes