The building was started in the 11th century, but most of it dates from the 12th century. The tympanum was completed in the 12th century. The facade towers were redone during the 19th century. It is also during this period that the bell tower is added to the roof at the junction between the nave and the transept. In 1830, the cloister was demolished.
This abbey was built in 1041, on the site of an old hermitage, following the influx of pilgrims. This influx was encouraged by the translation of the body of Sainte-Foy, to Agen, which occurred almost 2 centuries earlier by a monk. The Wars of Religion inflicted damage on the pillaged building.
The church of Montsalvy, which depended on the abbey of Saint Géraud d'Aurillac, dates from the second half of the 11th century. It is the main vestige of what was in the Middle Ages one of the most important abbeys of the region which still surprises us by its unusual dimensions.
The church of St. Anthony is dedicated to St. Anthony, the Egyptian whose body was brought back from Constantinople to La Motte aux Bois in the eleventh century. It is thought that in the 13th century the Baron de Calvinet founded the commandery of the hospital order of Saint-Antoine de Viennois on the site of the current church. Wars of religion contributed to the destruction of the hospital, with only the chapel of the Commandery surviving Calvinist destruction and the Revolution.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter