Montmorillon - Octagon

The octagon, seen here, belonged to a large "Maison Dieu" ensemble, that was founded as a hospital in the 11th century by Robert II of France (aka "Robert the Pious"), the son of Hugo Capet. This hospital, run by monks, provided food and shelter for the pilgrims and the sick. Though the hospital, that as well was a convent, got severely damaged over the centuries, it always got rebuilt. Today the buildings are renovated and house the local retirement home.

The octagon was erected within the 12th century and ws used as chapel and ossuary. Medieval octagons follow certain traditions, that may start at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. They can be found all over Europe, often connected to the Knights Hospitaller.

A small group of visitors is waiting for the guide with the key. This was not our lucky day, as the guide did never showed up. We learned from the tourist office, that he unfortunately had fallen ill that day. So nobody could see the interior.