Abbey of Saint-Maurice de Blasimon
Abbaye Saint-Maurice de Blasimon / Sant-Nicolas de Blasimon / Bladimontis / Blamont
(Blasimon, Gironde)
The available information about the early history of the Abbey of Blasimon is scarce. It has been speculated that it has an ancient origin, linked to the first monastic foundations in the region. According to tradition, its foundation took place during the first half of the 8th century, driven by the Abbey of Saint-Jean-d'Angély (Charente Maritime). However, it seems that the monastery disappeared in the mid-9th century as a result of Viking incursions.
The monastic settlement was restored around the year 980 thanks to the intervention of Duke William Sancho of Gascony († 996) and the support of the Abbey of Saint-Jean-d'Angély. The Monastery of Saint-Maurice experienced rapid growth, which allowed for its reconstruction during the second half of the 12th century. However, the foundation and development of the nearby Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure (Gironde) diminished its prominence and influence. During the Wars of Religion, the abbey suffered significant damage: in 1587, it was attacked and looted, forcing the community to flee. In the 17th century, the congregation of Saint-Maur arrived at the abbey, but they were unable to revitalize it. By the mid-18th century, was in full decline and was finally suppressed in 1778.
The church was spared from demolition because the altar of Saint-Nicolas, located within the monastic church itself, was used for parish functions. With the disappearance of the Benedictines, the church became fully dedicated to parish use under the patronage of Saint-Nicolas. In the 19th century, the remains of the church began to be appreciated, especially its remarkable sculptural decoration, which is still preserved. The building, of Romanesque origin, has undergone numerous and extensive interventions over time. Its floor plan consists of a single nave with four bays.
Plan published in Les vieilles églises de la Gironde
Illustration by Léo Drouyn (19th century)
Bibliothèque de Bordeaux
- BEAUNIER, Dom (1910). Abbayes et prieurés de l'ancienne France. Vol. 3: Auch, Bordeaux. Abbaye de Ligugé
- BRUTAILS, Jean-Auguste (1912). Les vieilles églises de la Gironde. Bordeus: Feret et Fils
- DOSQUET, Charles i altres (1853). Compte-rendu des travaux de la Commission des monuments historiques du département de la Gironde. París: Didron
- DUBOURG-NOVES, Pierre (1967). Blasimon. Dictionnaires des Églises de France III. Robert Laffont
- DUBOURG-NOVES, Pierre (1969). Guyenne romane. La Pierre-qui-Vire: Zodiaque
- MUSSET, Georges (1903). Le Cartulaire de l’Abbaye Riyale de Saint-Jean d’Angély. Archives historiques de la Saintonge et de l'Aunis, vol. 33
- SAINT-MAUR, Congregació de (1715). Gallia Christiana in provincias ecclesiasticas distributa. Vol. 1. París: Coignard
- SALET, Francis (1941). Blasimon. Congrès rchéologique de France. CII session. Bordeaux el Bayonne. París: Picard
- SOCIÉTÉ ARCHÉOLOGIQUE ET PRÉHISTORIQUE DE BLASIMON (s/d). Histoire de l’abbaye Saint Maurice de Blasimon
The abbey is located in an isolated area, to the north of the village of Blasimon (Gironde) and east of Bordeaux