The Abbey of Saint-Maurin appears to have been founded around the year 1040, although it is not documented until 1056. In 1083, Bernard I, Viscount of Brulhois, ceded this house to the Cluniac monastery of Moissac (Tarn-et-Garonne), thus integrating it into the same order.
The monastery church was built during the second half of the 11th century and consecrated in 1098, as indicated by a lapidary inscription that is still preserved. This monastery enjoyed significant vitality in the following centuries. However, in the 14th century, it was plundered during the Hundred Years’ War. Later, it was rebuilt, but in 1561 it was destroyed again, this time during the Wars of Religion.
In 1645, thanks to its integration into the Congregation of Saint-Maur, the abbey managed to recover and survive until the French Revolution. After the suppression and dissolution of the community, much of the monastery’s structures were lost, including the church, of which only part of the apse remains today. This church had a cross-shaped plan with a nave, transept, and three apses. Some historiated capitals depicting scenes from the martyrdom of the titular saint still survive, along with the bell tower and minor remnants of other conventual buildings.
Martyrdom of Saint Maurin
Maurin carrying his head
The abbey is dedicated to Saint Maurin, a local martyr from the 5th century. According to tradition, he was born in Agen during the Visigothic era and was beheaded for his faith. He is one of the so-called cephalophoric martyrs, who, according to legend, carried their severed heads in their hands to their burial site.
Abbot's residence
Monasticon Gallicanum
Bibliothèque nationale de France
Illustration from La Guienne historique et monumentale (1842)
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Saint-Maurin is located to the east of Agen, near the border of the Lot-et-Garonne department, to which it belongs