The abbey of The Chaise-Dieu in Haute-Loire is a famous Benedictine abbey. Founded in 1048 by Robert de Turlande, former canon of Brioude, the abbey is a medieval masterpiece. The abbey complex is made up of several buildings gathered around a cloister, including a magnificent 14th century gothic abbey church with southern influences, housing the tomb of Pope Clement VI.
The essentials of La Chaise-Dieu
For more than 20 years, it is the brothers of the Community of Saint John who maintain the magic of the place and this Altiligerian architectural gem open to visitors from April to November and during the Christmas holidays (by reservation). The opportunity to cross nearly 1000 years of history and discover the essentials of the abbey of La Chaise-Dieu:
- The 14 restored Flemish tapestries, classified as Historic Monuments in 1840, a real national treasure.
- La echo room and its curious acoustics
- The mural of the Danse Macabre estimated in the XNUMXth century and its ironic representation of the theme of death
- The 144 exquisitely carved stalls, desired by Pope Clement VI surround his tomb (1353).
A high place of classical music through its festival
Without forgetting that each year in August, the abbey church becomes the nerve center of the famous sacred music festival of La Chaise-Dieu. Its remarkable acoustics and majestic decor make it a special concert hall for national and international musicians, orchestras and ensembles.
