The Villemoison commandery in Saint-Père is the only one in the department open to the public. History fanatics, as well as the curious, are invited to visit the buildings every Wednesday of the summer Immersion in a place steeped in history.
At first glance, it is a large house with a large garden and a swimming pool. But when you enter the Villemoison Commandery, a place full of surprises awaits the visitor.
Construction in the 12th and 16th century. The chapel is the perfect example of the Templar presence in the Nièvre. The choir, decorated with a fresco dating from the 12th century, was listed in the inventory of historical monuments in 1907. The other buildings date from the 16th century. For the owner, you must realize how lucky you are to have a commandery in the Nièvre. In the department, there are eight Templar establishments: in Avril sur Loire, in Biches, in Nevers, in Decize, in Champallement, in Varennes les Narcy and in Plessis
d´Arboursse.
Three underground passages cross the property up and down. One goes towards Saint Loup, another goes towards the church of Saint Père and the last goes towards Sancerre.
Underground runs under the property.
These tunnels allowed the Templars to take refuge in a safe place in the event of an enemy attack. Some entrances and exits were blocked as a result of accidents.
There is also a well on the property from the Templar era.
Geoffroy de Charmoy stayed there.
The Villemoison commandery also has a symbolic historical dimension. It welcomed one of the very last dignitaries of the order in the person of Geoffroy de Charnay.
Executed in March 1314 alongside Jacques de Molay, he was even at the head of the commandery of Villemoison. This was after having occupied the post of commander in the Cher and that of tutor in Normandy. The Villemoison Commandery is therefore steeped in history and rich in architecture. It will delight enthusiasts, just as much as neophytes. Majestic Chapel.
Directed towards the well. The chapel of the commandery of Villemoison is the only surviving building dating from the Templars. It was built in 1180. On the ceiling, a Byzantine-influenced fresco of Christ illuminates the room. Jesus is presented in an attitude of blessing. Symbols relating to the four evangelists are present: The bull for Luke, the Eagle for John, the Lion for Mark, and the Angel for Matthew. Damaged by time, the chapel has been refreshed by the former owners. A fault remains at the height of the fresco and should be filled. The chapel is directed towards the well. Two explanations either it follows the water, or it is built on a Gallo-Roman site which is probable.
Source : Timothé Rouvière Le journal du centre
Photo : JDC , bourgogneromane.com
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