Caves des Mousseaux, Underground historical shelter in Dénezé-sous-Doué, France.
The limestone caves contain over three hundred carved figures and scenes across multiple underground chambers with varying degrees of preservation.
The site dates from the second half of the 16th century and was rediscovered in 1956 by ethnologists Jeanne and Camille Fraysse after centuries of burial.
The carved figures represent daily life scenes, religious imagery, and political satire, including depictions of Henri II, Catherine de Medicis, and Native Americans.
The caves remain closed since 2019 due to restoration work addressing damage from saltpeter, fungi, and algae affecting the fragile limestone sculptures.
Each sculpture demonstrates a distinct naive style with disproportionate bodies and expressive faces carved directly into the soft tuffeau stone walls.
Location: Dénezé-sous-Doué
GPS coordinates: 47.24730,-0.27707
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:56
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