Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Gemini

A monastery had been here since the 6th century, dedicated to the martyr St. Valerian, whose grave is in the crypt. It got raided by the Maurs and in 875 Charles the Bald offered the abbey to a group of homeless of monks from Normoutier as their monastery had been destroyed by the Normans. These monks carried the relics of St. Philibert with them, so for a while the abbey was shared by two communities, each dedicated to their own saint. After Hungarian troops had damaged the buildings in 936-37, the church got rebuild in the form we know it today. The construction lasted from the late 10th century to the early 12th century. It was consecrated in 1019, when it had a flat, wooden ceiling. A stone vault replaced the wooden ceiling in 1066-1108. I had been here many times before (and uploaded lots of photos) over the years, but I just had to stop - and take more shots. During excavations the remains of a larger mosaic from the 12th century was found. Seen are the zodiacs and the "Labours of the Months". Gemini

Fenioux, a small village with a population of less than 200, has this wonderful parish church "Notre-Dame de l’Assomption". Once the church was dedicated to "Saint-Savinien" and "Saint Pierre". It was built in the 12th century, about the same time, when Aulnay (27kms northeast) was under construction. The church was erected over a Carolingian oratory from the 9th century, of which some parts were integrated into the new building - and so still exist around the choir. The large, western facade, with its five archivolts is breathtaking. Though vandalized during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution, when many sculptures here lost their heads, this is still extraordenary. There are five semicircular archivolts - and ten capitals. The inner archivolt is covered with symmetric foliage in the "traditonal style saintongue". The second archivolt has the virtues defeating the vices, the third one is populated by six angels flanking an Agnus Dei. The parable of the "Wise and Foolish Virgins" can be seen on the fourth - and the fifth archivolt has a complete zodiac - and the names of the corresponding months. Here GEMI(NI) and (MA)IVS - IV(NIVS) The rider holds a sicle, what may stand for "harvest".