Hypogée des Dunes, Underground chapel and burial site in Poitiers, France
The Hypogée des Dunes is a semi-buried structure in Poitiers containing underground chambers, burial spaces, and carved stone reliefs from the early medieval period. Multiple rooms branch out below ground level, each marked with hand-carved figures and decorative details that were cut directly into the stone.
This site originated in the early medieval period and served as a burial place during the Merovingian era, roughly from the 5th to 8th century. It remained hidden for centuries until Father Camille de la Croix uncovered it in 1878, bringing this ancient burial ground into scholarly awareness.
The stone carvings and wall paintings inside show how early medieval Christians expressed their faith through craftsmanship and art. These works let visitors experience the religious world of that time directly.
This site is normally closed to visitors and opens only on a few specific days each year through guided tours. You should check ahead and plan early to secure a spot on one of these rare group tours.
Roughly 35 burials were found within the chambers, some accompanied by jewelry and personal objects left with the deceased. One striking feature is a rare stone relief showing a crucifixion scene, one of the few surviving examples of this type from the 7th century.
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