Abbey of Saint Martial, Limoges, Romanesque abbey ruins in Limoges, France
The underground crypt of the Abbey of Saint Martial contains the tomb of Saint Martial, the first bishop of Limoges from the third century.
Founded in 848 under Charles the Bald, the monastery expanded into a major religious center before its dissolution during the French Revolution in 1791.
The abbey developed into a significant center of medieval music, housing collections of sacred compositions and contributing to Western liturgical chant development.
Visitors can access the underground crypt through steps at Place de la République, with free admission to explore the historical remnants.
The elevation of Saint Martial to apostolic status in 1031 led to increased pilgrimage activity, establishing the abbey as a key stop between Tours and Santiago.
Location: Limoges
Inception: 9 century
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
GPS coordinates: 45.83140,1.25980
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43
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
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