A listed historic monument, the Maison Dieu, a monastery-hospital founded in the 11th century by Robert du Puy, Lord of Montmorillon, on his return from the Holy Land, comprises the Octagon, the Chapelle Saint Laurent, the Donjon, the Chauffoir, the Grange des Dîmes and the monastic buildings.
The Octagon
A former 12th-century funerary chapel built on the model of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it is the only one of its kind in Europe.
An ossuary was located in the basement. The door is surmounted by four groups of statues representing, among others, Mary and Elizabeth (the Visitation), Archangel Gabriel, the four Evangelists and two naked women illustrating lust.
Saint Laurent Chapel
From the original monastery church remain the bell tower, the facade with its sculpted frieze (all 12th century). Inside, you'll admire some beautiful 19th-century murals. Of particular note: the chapel's forecourt is paved with coloured pebbles, evoking the martyrdom of Saint Laurent, who died on a grill.
Inside, a slab commemorates the burial in this chapel of Etienne de Vignolles, known as “La Hire”, Joan of Arc's loyal squire, appointed Lord of Montmorillon by Charles VII.
Maison Dieu tower
The Maison-Dieu was outside the town's fortifications and therefore at the mercy of the bands of looters and mercenaries who ravaged the countryside in the 14th century.
To prevent looting, the monastery-hospital erected fortifications around the buildings, of which the defensive tower near the Saint Laurent chapel remains. The circular tower contains a spiral staircase and was joined to a rectangular tower with machicolated braces protecting the entrance gate.
The Boiler House
Built in 1639, it was intended to accommodate 60 poor people, pilgrims or “foreigners” passing through who wished to warm themselves by the fire. It was the only heated area in the Maison-Dieu.
The Tithe Barn
This building, close to the Octagon, was built in the 17th century to accommodate the peasants who came to contribute in kind to the life of the hospital-hospice. Remarkable original framework.
Monastic buildings
These were built in the 17th century to house the monks, and included the chapter house, sick chapel, common rooms, refectory, storeroom and cellars. Their imposing façade, over 100 m long, overlooks a wide terrace, two 17th-century dovecotes, a large meadow converted into a public space and an open-air theater.
On October 19, 2022, Poitiers University Hospital officially signed the sale of the Maison-Dieu site to the Etablissement Public Foncier de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (EPFNA).
La Maison Dieu
Impasse de la Maison Dieu
86500 Montmorillon
https://www.montmorillon.fr/maison-dieu/
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