Moissac, FR

Saint-Pierre de Moissac Abbey

Moissac is known for its grandiose cloister. It has twenty capitals on two sides and eighteen on each of the other two, making a total of seventy-six. The decoration of the capitals combines floral and historiated motifs, many of them with detailed inscriptions.

The present church was built in the 15th century, with later modifications and restorations. At the foot of the church is the bell tower, erected on a square-shaped narthex with an upper floor, probably dating from the 12th century.

About this building

Traditionally, the foundation of this monastery has been attributed to the Frankish king Clovis I, at the beginning of the 6th century. However, the monastery fell into decline in the following centuries. During the 15th century, major improvement works were carried out on the church. The monastery was secularised in 1618 against the opposition of the community and in 1625, a bull of Urban VIII made it official and it became a secular collegiate church.

For more information about this building visit https://www.monestirs.cat/monst/annex/fran/migdp/cmoiss.htm

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments
  • Interior features

Other nearby buildings

Moissac Abbey

The abbey was founded in the 7th century. Attached in 1047 to the Abbey of Cluny, it became the most important monastic centre in southwestern France as early as the 12th century.

Wikimedia Commons
Foreground of a church wall-tower decorated with four bell-gables

Church of Saint-Julien-de-Brioude

Built in the 15th century, the Saint-Julien de Brioude church in Goudourville is such a source of pride for the inhabitants of the region, that they call it the “Sistine Chapel of Tarn et Garonne". Redecorated in the nineteenth century, the church has a five-arched bell tower that rises above the west facade, while the vaults illustrate the creation of the world by God in the form of two huge paintings, signed JG Maury.

Sauvegarde de l'Art Français

Church of Saint-Clair

The Church of Saint-Clair of Saint-Porquier, Occitania was built in the sixteenth century, on the foundations of an older, eleventh century building that was ruined during the Hundred Years War. The building is of Southern Gothic style. It consists of a nave that opens on a three sided choir, flanked with side chapels. An octagonal bell-tower is flanked by a staircase turret. The interior was painted in the late nineteenth century.

Thumbnail

Why Religiana?

How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?

Find out about Religiana
Thumbnail

Become a partner

Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.

See current partners

Keep up to date

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

Religiana is powered by the Future for Religious Heritage