Crypte Saint-Paul, Merovingian crypt in Jouarre, France
Crypte Saint-Paul is an underground burial chamber in Jouarre with two connected rooms containing marble columns, stone sarcophagi, and carved stone elements. A northern entrance leads inside, while a western opening connects to the smaller southern chamber that has been accessible since 1640.
The crypt was built in the 7th century as a burial place for the founding family of Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey and Saint Osanna. This early burial chamber records the religious practices and social structures of that period.
The crypt displays Roman marble columns and carved capitals from different periods, reflecting the craftsmanship of earlier epochs. Visitors can see how these architectural pieces were carefully integrated into the underground space.
Visiting requires descending into an underground space that is cool and dimly lit, so bring a flashlight or warm clothing. Access comes through the abbey site, so check the opening hours of the abbey complex before planning your visit.
The crypt houses one of the earliest known tetramorphic Christ sculptures in Western art, featuring a central figure surrounded by four animals. This artwork is notable because it shows how early religious symbolism appeared in underground spaces.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
