Subterranean Church
The subterranean church of St
Jean, hewn from solid rock in the 12th century, resonates with intense emotion symbolic of the Christian fervour of
the Middle Ages.
Its original use was to conserve religious artefacts in a series of pits and a
reliquary inspired by the Sepulchre in Jerusalem discovered at the time of the first Crusade. carved
from the limestone cliffs, it is truly ‘monolithic’.
pilgrims en route for St Jacques de
Compostelle(Santiago de Compostela) would gather in front of the religious relics which were believed to offer
protective powers.
A church protected within the rocksn for many years collapsed and hidden, its
crypt, would have existed before the excavation of the vast chamber both of which can be seen today.
Its
impressive dimensions add to the mystery, and the dozens of tombs cut from the solid rock, bear witness to
the sacred importance of this place.
This vast necropolis worn by the passage of time, could no doubt
have its origins in its troglodyte sisters of Cappadocia in Turkey discovered by the crusaders.
countless pilgrims throughout the centuries have lingered in this place which links the cults of earth and water
worship to Christian ity. Even today the magic will touch everyone who visits.
Open everyday
Sale of tickets on
premises.
Audio guides and guided tour.
The church is open every day.
(except
Christmas and January 1st.)
From 9.30 am to 12.30pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm , 7 pm from the 1st of
June to the 30th of September, (closed on Christmas day and New Year’s
day)
Entree fees
- Adult: € 4,50
- Children under 7: free
- Children from 8 to 12 years: € 2,-
- Students: € 3,-
- Groups minimum 20: € 3,50
- Journées du patrimoine: € 2,-
Printed history: € 1,-
A bit of advice : best come at least
1/2 hour before closing time.
Contact
Eglise Souterraine Saint-Jean
Rue
Saint Jean
16390 Aubeterre sur Dronne
Tel: 05.45.98.65.06
eglisemonolithe.aubeterre-sur-dronne@orange.fr
