Monastery of Sainte-Quitterie du Mas
Monastère de Sainte-Quitterie du Mas / Sainte-Quitterie d’Aire / Quitteriae de Manso
(Aire-sur-l'Adour, Landes)
The monastery of Sainte-Quitterie du Mas stands on an elevated site to the south of the town of Aire-sur-l’Adour (the ancient Adura), where the existence of an episcopal see is documented as early as the 6th century. The lack of records about this house makes it difficult to gain a detailed understanding of its history.
The monastery is first mentioned in a bull issued by Callixtus II (pope from 1119 to 1124) and is known for its connection with the abbey of La Chaise-Dieu (Haute-Loire). The Benedictines promoted the cult of the martyr Saint Quiteria, facilitated by their possession of her relics, which were venerated and kept in a sepulchre located in the crypt of the church. It is likely that, before the monks arrived, there was already a chapel housing the sepulchre, although there is no evidence of her cult prior to the Benedictine period. In 1228, the monastery came under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Aire.
It is also recorded that the church suffered serious damage during the Hundred Years’ War. As a result, major repair work was carried out in the 14th century, particularly on the portal. In 1569, during the Wars of Religion, the church and monastery were again damaged, and the relics of Saint Quiteria were lost. The monastic community never fully recovered; despite structural restorations, the site was converted into a seminary in 1645. In 1790, the former monastery was transferred to the commune of Aire-sur-l’Adour.
The current church reflects numerous constructions, losses, additions, and restorations undertaken over time. The crypt is particularly noteworthy, preserving the sepulchre of Saint Quiteria, which is likely a work from the 4th century. The church also retains Romanesque elements, especially in the apse.
Sarcophagus of Saint Quiteria (4th century)
Photo by Rémih, on Wikimedia
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- CABANOT, Jean (1978). Gascogne romane. Zodiaque. La nuit des temps
- FONDEVILLE, Carole; i altres (2002). Evaluation archéologique de la crypte de l’église abbatiale consacrée à Sainte Quitterie au Mas d’Aire-sur-l’Adour (Landes). Aquitania, vol. 18
- SAINT-MAUR, Congregació de (1715). Gallia Christiana in provincias ecclesiasticas distributa. Vol. 1. París: Coignard
- SORBETS, Léon (1862). Sainte-Quitterie, ancienne abbaye de bénédictins à Aire sur l'Adour. Bulletin du Comité d'histoire et d'archéologie de la province ecclésiastique d'Auch. Vol. 3
- VIVAS, Mathieu (2004). Le site du Mas d’Aire-sur-l’Adour : apports de l’étude archéologique et des sources hagiographiques. Aquitania, vol. 20
The church is located in Le Mas, an elevated site to the south of the town of Aire-sur-l’Adour