It was André Malraux who described the abbey church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe as the “Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque period.”
This abbey church, a jewel of Romanesque art in Poitou-Charentes, is indeed highlighted by its murals commissioned by Benedictine monks. It houses 700m² of Romanesque frescoes.
In the 19th century, on the initiative of Prosper Mérimée, then Inspector General of Historic Monuments, the paintings, dating from the late 11th and early 12th centuries, were saved. Numerous restoration campaigns were then undertaken to preserve the paintings, and the church, listed in 1840 on the first list of historic monuments, continues to be the focus of attention for restorers.
The abbey church and its paintings: a World Heritage Site
The church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, based on two evaluation criteria. First, it is considered a masterpiece of human creative genius. Second, it is a remarkable testimony to a vanished civilization, another criterion.
The abbey church offers guided tours, a scenographic tour, and educational activities aimed at raising awareness among various audiences.
The scenographic tour
On the first floor, the monks' former cells have been converted into interpretive spaces that explore the murals of Saint-Savin from historical, religious, and artistic perspectives through models, touchscreen terminals with virtual tours, videos, and audio recordings.
The refectory and gardens
Once used for the monks' daily silent meals, the refectory now houses the scene of the “Combat des Rois” (Battle of the Kings) which took place on the vaulted ceiling of the abbey church. Illuminated by huge windows, this vast room also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions.
In contrast to the pomp and vanity of stately gardens, the abbey's current garden perfectly illustrates the simplicity and modesty of Maurist gardens. Large patches of lawn separated by simple paths lined with fruit trees such as palmettes, pear trees, and other species, boxwood, laurel, and more.
The multimedia tour
On the first floor, the monks' former cells have been converted into interpretation spaces that explore the murals of Saint-Savin from historical, religious, and artistic perspectives using models, touchscreen terminals with virtual tours, videos, soundtracks, and more.
The screening room
Every half hour, the auditorium on the top floor, converted into a screening room, shows “A fresco,” a fictional film about the creation of the paintings at Saint-Savin Abbey. The film lasts 25 minutes.
Saint-Savin Abbey
Place de la Libération,
BP9,
86310 Saint-Savin
Tel.: +33 (0)5 49 84 30 00
https://www.abbaye-saint-savin.fr/fr/un-site-du-patrimoine-mondial-de-lunesco
Translated with DeepL.com
(free version)
