Abbatiale Saint-Géraud d'Aurillac

The Abbatiale Saint-Géraud d'Aurillac is an abbey church built in Romanesque style featuring rounded arches, thick stone walls, and a central nave flanked by side aisles. The structure displays the typical layout of a medieval Benedictine monastery designed for monastic life and worship.

Count Gerald of Aurillac founded the monastery in the late 9th century, with construction beginning in 894 and completed in 916. The abbey then established direct ties with the Holy See and became an important religious center in medieval France.

The monastery served as a center of learning where monks preserved knowledge and trained future religious leaders during medieval times. Spiritual practice shaped the daily rhythm of life at this sacred place for centuries.

Plan your visit according to the opening hours and access rules typical of religious sites. Quiet movement and respectful behavior are appropriate when visiting this sacred location.

Archaeological digs conducted between 2013 and 2014 uncovered rare wooden sarcophagi from the 9th century in remarkably good condition. These discoveries offer rare insights into burial practices and the daily lives of early medieval monks.

Location: Aurillac

Founders: Gerald of Aurillac

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Address: place Saint-Géraud

GPS coordinates: 44.93138,2.44820

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00