Commanderie de Villemoison, Medieval commandry in Saint-Père, France.
The Commanderie de Villemoison is a 12th-century commandry estate in Saint-Pere featuring a chapel with an eastern-facing apse. An L-shaped knights' residence wraps around a stair tower, and barn structures complete the compound.
The site was founded in the 12th century for the Knights Templar but transferred to the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem following the Templars' dissolution in 1312. This change marked a shift in the estate's purpose and management.
The chapel displays medieval frescoes showing Christ and the evangelists, with capitals decorated in floral patterns typical of religious military structures. These artistic details shape the interior and tell of the spiritual role this place once held.
The property is located in Saint-Pere along Rue de la Commanderie and comprises several protected buildings that can be explored together as a unified site. The compound is accessible for visitors to walk through and observe all of its different structures and spaces.
The knights' residence features oversized windows that flood the interior with abundant natural light, departing from typical medieval defensive design. This openness suggests that comfort and illumination were prioritized over fortification needs at this location.
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