Priory of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne
Chiraci / S Remigius de Varenna
(Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Maine-et-Loire)
The site of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, then known as Chiriacum, was granted in 929 by the viscount of Angers, Fulk I († 942), to the abbey of Saint-Aubin d’Angers (Maine-et-Loire). That monastery established a priory there, documented from 1157 onwards. It was one of the dependencies of Saint-Aubin and became an important economic centre of that abbey.
West facade, with remains of the original church
The site was fortified during the Wars of Religion and remained active until the Revolution; it was sold in 1792. Its church preserves some elements from its earliest phase, possibly dating from the 10th–11th centuries. The chancel is Romanesque, from the 12th century, and also includes additions from the 13th century, among them the chapel of Notre-Dame. The bell tower was built in the 19th century. To the north of the church are various priory buildings, constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries. Notable remains of 12th-century wall paintings are preserved.
Chapel of Notre Dame
Chapel of Notre Dame
Photo by Thérèse Gaigé, on Wikimedia
Photo by Thérèse Gaigé, on Wikimedia
Photo by Thérèse Gaigé, on Wikimedia
- BESSE, Jean-Martial (1920). Abbayes et prieurés de l'ancienne France, vol. 8, Tours. París : Picard
- BROUSSILON, Bertrand de (1903). Cartulaire de l’abbaye de Saint-Aubin d’Angers. 3 vols. París: Picard
- GODARD-FAULTRIER. (1860). Commune de Saint-Remy-la-Varenne. Répertoire archéologique de l'Anjou. Angers
- LITOUX, Emmanuel; i altres (2021). Le prieuré de Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne. Le religieux et le profane. Congrès Archéologique de France, 180ss. Société Française d’Archéologie
- SOLAND, Aimé de (1866). Le crucifiement du Christ. Bulletin historique et monumental de l’Anjou. Angers: Barassé
The priory of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne is located in the commune of the same name, near the Loire River, to the south-east of Angers