The Priory of Souvigny

The Priory of Souvigny

Guide of the Allier

Guide of the Allier

The eldest daughter of Cluny and the necropolis of the Bourbons, the Priory of Souvigny, founded in 916, attracted many pilgrims who came to gather near the graves of St. Mayeul and St.Odilon, the Abbots of Cluny who are buried at the priory church.

The biggest religious building in Bourbonnais, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles, is full of attractive features. Outside is its sculpted façade; inside are its relic cabinet and two funerary chapels from the 14th and 15th centuries, which contain the graves of the Dukes of Bourbon. On a tour of the site you can discover the recumbent statues of Louis II of Bourbon and Anne of Auvergne in the old chapel, and Charles I and Agnes of Bourgogne in the new chapel, as well as the tomb of the Saints Mayeul and Odilon in the nave.

In the convent buildings, Souvigny Museum has archaeological and religious collections, the centrepiece of which is the zodiac column from the 12th century. This Romanesque pillar, sculpted with a representation of the universe, is unique in the world!

For a lovely end to the tour of the priory, a walk in the beautiful French-style gardens full of ancient plants is a must. Here you can enjoy a great view of the whole ensemble formed by the flower beds in the gardens, church and convent buildings.

Please vote:

Link to this page Back to the guide of the Allier

TOURIST SERVICES
	Vacation rentals in the Allier		Beds & Breakfast in the Allier		Campsites in the Allier
	Hotels in the Allier		Restaurants in the Allier		Leisure activities in the Allier
	Car rental in France		Flight to France