Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Frankish

Cahors is situated within a U-shaped bend in the River Lot. There was a celtic settlement here, that developed into a large Roman city. The city was under Visigothic later Merovingian/Frankish influence. The war between Chlothar I sons Chilperic I and Guntram (aka "Saint Guntram) badly affected the economy, but Cahors recovered - before it got burnt down and looted by Saracens, Vikings and Magyars in the 8th and 9th century. When more and more pilgrims flocked on the way to Santiago de Compostela Cahors won importance, as the Via Podiensis run right through the city. It actually still does! There are actually two different routes to Cahors for the pilgrims. They either can follow the valley of the Lot or they choose the "chemin" through the valley of the Cele (what I did some years ago). But there is only one chemin out of Cahors - via the Pont Valentré. The six-span fortified bridge has become a symbol of the city. It was built between 1308 and 1378.

Cahors is situated within a U-shaped bend in the River Lot. There was a celtic settlement here, that developed into a large Roman city. The city was under Visigothic later Merovingian/Frankish influence. The war between Chlothar I sons Chilperic I and Guntram (aka "Saint Guntram) badly affected the economy, but Cahors recovered before it got burnt down and looted by Saracens, Vikings and Magyars in the 8th and 9th century. When more and more pilgrims flocked on the way to Santiago de Compostela Cahors won importance, as the Via Podiensis run right through the city. It actually still does! Pope John XXII, who was born in Cahors, founded a university here in 1332, that later became a part of the University of Toulouse.

It is proven, that a church existed here, before the Rotonda was erected in the early 12th century. This older, probably ruined building could have been originated in Lombard or Frankish times. Some artefacts, seen here, are reused parts of that former building. Not only the main entrance (prev. upload) is guarded. These (Lombard or Frankish) warriors flank the side door. A nunnery existed next to the church upto 1407, some of parts of the convent can still be seen.

It is proven, that a church existed here, before the Rotonda was erected in the early 12th century. This older, probably ruined building could have been originated in Lombard or Frankish times. Some artefacts, seen here, are reused parts of that former building. The tympanum is one of them, so this carving is centuries older than the rotunda. In the center is a warrior /guard holding a spear. A nunnery existed next to the church upto 1407, some of parts of the convent can still be seen.