If funéraire de Saint-Ursin, Millenary yew tree in Saint-Ursin, France.
The yew tree of Saint-Ursin is an ancient tree that anchors the village center with a massive, hollow trunk measuring roughly 10 meters around its base. Its roots partly emerge above ground and spread in various directions, giving the tree its commanding presence within the small community.
The tree was planted over 1000 years ago and witnessed the construction of a chapel built beside it during the 12th century. These two events anchor the yew deeply within the long history of the place.
The tree shares its name with Saint Ursin, the village's patron saint, and visitors can sense the spiritual connection between the ancient yew and the church that has stood nearby for centuries. The hollow trunk has long held meaning for local residents and pilgrims who came to the site.
The tree stands on the village square right beside the old parish church, making it easy to locate and access. Visitors should remember that this is a living, very ancient organism that deserves careful respect during a visit.
During a storm in 1990, the tree lost a large branch but recovered with remarkable strength and continued growing. This resilience shows the impressive vitality of an organism that has endured for more than a thousand years.
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