Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Saint-Julien

A parish existed in Ussac already in 945. Today´s church is a little younger and may have been built in the 12th century, at that time dedicated to St. Pardoux. In the 14th century the dedication changed to St. Julien de Brioude. At that time the Romanesque church had a single nave, extended by a polygonal apse. After the severe damage due to the War of Religions the church was partly rebuilt and enlarged in the 17th century.

A parish existed in Ussac already in 945. Today´s church is a little younger and may have been built in the 12th century, at that time dedicated to St. Pardoux. In the 14th century the dedication changed to St. Julien de Brioude. At that time the Romanesque church had a single nave, extended by a polygonal apse. After the severe damage due to the War of Religions the church was partly rebuilt and enlarged in the 17th century.

A parish existed in Ussac already in 945. Today´s church is a little younger and may have been built in the 12th century, at that time dedicated to St. Pardoux. In the 14th century the dedication changed to St. Julien de Brioude. At that time the Romanesque church had a single nave, extended by a polygonal apse. After the severe damage due to the War of Religions the church was partly rebuilt and enlarged in the 17th century.

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church constructed between 1060 - 1200. The architectoral structure is influenced by great romanesque churches like "Notre-Dame-Du-Port" in Clermont-Ferrand (70kms north) or "Saint-Austremoine" in Issoire (30kms north), planned and constructed within the same century. Three or four very skilled architects worked here over the century, all witrh a different touch. So Saint-Julien is really special, as it differs from the other great churches of the Auvergne. Brioude was a center of pilgrimage very early, as already within the 4th century a "martyrion" existed over the grave of St. Julien. This building was replaced by an early basilica, financed by Victorius, a "comes" (count), installed by the Visigothic king Eurich after he had seized the Auvergne. Gregory of Tours (538-594 visited and described it, when he about a pilgrimage to Saint-Julien undertaken yearly from Avernis (= Clermont-Ferrand) to Brioude. Within the 10th century William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "Guillaume Le Pieux" - "William the Pious") funded the building of a larger church here. He got buried in this church in 917. Around 1060, works on the church still seen today started with the narthex. It took about 140 years, to complete it - and was a stopover at that time for many pilgrims to Santiago, only two days (60kms) away from Le Puy (Via Podensis). There are about 125 capitals and carvings inside Saint-Julien and they all differ in artistic style and quality. Bernard Craplet has found six (!) different workshops, what is not that surprising taking in account that it took more than a century to finish this building. None of the capitals of the nave depicts a biblical theme. Here is a very interesting combination of at least two medieval "icons", that are both common not only to the Auvergne. One is shepherd, carrying a sheep on his shoulders. The shepherds mostly come in couples and they may connected to "pastor bonus". This icon can be seen twice in Brioude. The second is the donkey, playing a musical instrument. This instrument mostly is a harp, played by the donkey with its hoofs. Depicted here are two men, carrying donkeys (instead of sheep). The donkeys either play a harp or - like Bernard Craplet suggests, play a panflute. B. Craplet connects the flute playing donkeys to the Phaedra, daugther of Minos in the Greek mythology. On the ground, between the two harps or pan-flutes, is a head. A plant seems to grow out of the forhead. The moustache could well be some kind of liana.

At the end of the 11th century Benedictine monks, from La Chaise-Dieu founded a priory here. The first Romanesque church (1130) consisted of a three-nave nave and a transept. This church got altered and redesigned in Gothic style in the 17th century. Due to the increase of population the church got expanded in the 19th century, when the town had about 3000 inhabitants (today 1900). Then the nave was expanded and the facade was erected, reminding on the facade of the Cathedral of the near Le Puy. It looks like Saint-Julien-Chapteuil has a long tradition in processions. - I reached Saint-Julien-Chapteuil the first time of my hike from Geneva to Conques, following the "Chemin de Compostelle". I do remember that it was so very hot and I had difficulties to walk up to the church, as the mountain is very steep. And when I had reached the church, I rested inside this cool nave.

At the end of the 11th century Benedictine monks, from La Chaise-Dieu founded a priory here. The first Romanesque church (1130) consisted of a three-nave nave and a transept. This church got altered and redesigned in Gothic style in the 17th century. Due to the increase of population the church got expanded in the 19th century, when the town had about 3000 inhabitants (today 1900). Then the nave was expanded and the facade was erected, reminding on the facade of the Cathedral of the near Le Puy. Luckily the Romanesque capitals survived all the alterations and renovations. Two griffons - and a chalice. - I reached Saint-Julien-Chapteuil the first time of my hike from Geneva to Conques, following the "Chemin de Compostelle". I do remember that it was so very hot and I had difficulties to walk up to the church, as the mountain is very steep. And when I had reached the church, I rested inside this cool nave.

At the end of the 11th century Benedictine monks, from La Chaise-Dieu founded a priory here. The first Romanesque church (1130) consisted of a three-nave nave and a transept. This church got altered and redesigned in Gothic style in the 17th century. Due to the increase of population the church got expanded in the 19th century, when the town had about 3000 inhabitants (today 1900). Then the nave was expanded and the facade was erected, reminding on the facade of the Cathedral of the near Le Puy. Luckily the Romanesque capitals survived all the alterations and renovations. This mermaid has many sisters in the area. They are all skinny, have a large head and floral fins. I remember one in Monastier sur Gazeille and one in Brioude. - I reached Saint-Julien-Chapteuil the first time of my hike from Geneva to Conques, following the "Chemin de Compostelle". I do remember that it was so very hot and I had difficulties to walk up to the church, as the mountain is very steep. And when I had reached the church, I rested inside this cool nave.

At the end of the 11th century Benedictine monks, from La Chaise-Dieu founded a priory here. The first Romanesque church (1130) consisted of a three-nave nave and a transept. This church got altered and redesigned in Gothic style in the 17th century. Due to the increase of population the church got expanded in the 19th century, when the town had about 3000 inhabitants (today 1900). Then the nave was expanded and the facade was erected, reminding on the facade of the Cathedral of the near Le Puy. Luckily the Romanesque capitals survived all the alterations and renovations. Two birds (drinkig from a chalice?). - I reached Saint-Julien-Chapteuil the first time of my hike from Geneva to Conques, following the "Chemin de Compostelle". I do remember that it was so very hot and I had difficulties to walk up to the church, as the mountain is very steep. And when I had reached the church, I rested inside this cool nave.

At the end of the 11th century Benedictine monks, from La Chaise-Dieu founded a priory here. The first Romanesque church (1130) consisted of a three-nave nave and a transept. This church got altered and redesigned in Gothic style in the 17th century. Due to the increase of population the church got expanded in the 19th century, when the town had about 3000 inhabitants (today 1900). Then the nave was expanded and the facade was erected, reminding on the facade of the Cathedral of the near Le Puy. - I reached Saint-Julien-Chapteuil the first time of my hike from Geneva to Conques, following the "Chemin de Compostelle". I do remember that it was so very hot and I had difficulties to walk up to the church, as the mountain is very steep. And when I had reached the church, I rested inside this cool nave.

At the end of the 11th century Benedictine monks, from La Chaise-Dieu founded a priory here. The first Romanesque church (1130) consisted of a three-nave nave and a transept. This church got altered and redesigned in Gothic style in the 17th century. Due to the increase of population the church got expanded in the 19th century, when the town had about 3000 inhabitants (today 1900). Then the nave was expanded and the facade was erected, reminding on the facade of the Cathedral of the near Le Puy. - I reached Saint-Julien-Chapteuil the first time of my hike from Geneva to Conques, following the "Chemin de Compostelle". I do remember that it was so hot and I had difficulties to walk up to the church, as the mountain is very steep. And when I had reached the church, I rested inside the cool nave.

Approaching Margaux, I crossed through vinyards. The Médoc is known for most prestigious and expensive French red wines. I do prefer an affordable "Côtes de Blaye" from the eastern side of the Gironde, but I I have to admit, I never ever tasted Crus du Médoc (Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien..). I just can´t afford to spend a week´s budget for a bottle of wine.

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church once, constructed between 1100 - 1180. Standing in the nave, looking to the choir. Two aisles are on the sides. The total length of the basilica is 74m. The nave is 5,50m wide, but about 22m high, what creates the impression, that the nave is so "stretched". All of the rather massive pillars have carved capitals and some of the pillar still have old frescos.

The church of Saint Denis, that I had just seen in Amboise, was part of a priory, that depended from the abbey Saint-Julien de Tours. This church in the center of Tour is, what is still left of that abbey. Founded end of the 6th century, the abbey got destroyed by Normans in 853, but reconstructed within the following century. Just like the cathedral, it got damaged during a conflict between Louis VII of France ("Maison de Blois") and Henry II of England ("Maison d'Anjou" / "Maison de Plantagenet"). It was rebuilt and consecrated again in 1084. After the revolution the church was sold and used as stables.

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church constructed between 1060 - 1200. The architectoral structure is influenced by great romanesque churches like "Notre-Dame-Du-Port" in Clermont-Ferrand (70kms north) or "Saint-Austremoine" in Issoire (30kms north), planned and constructed within the same century. Three or four very skilled architects worked here over the century, all witrh a different touch. So Saint-Julien is really special, as it differs from the other great churches of the Auvergne. Brioude was a center of pilgrimage very early, as already within the 4th century a "martyrion" existed over the grave of St. Julien. This building was replaced by an early basilica, financed by Victorius, a "comes" (count), installed by the Visigothic king Eurich after he had seized the Auvergne. Gregory of Tours (538-594 visited and described it, when he about a pilgrimage to Saint-Julien undertaken yearly from Avernis (= Clermont-Ferrand) to Brioude. Within the 10th century William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "Guillaume Le Pieux" - "William the Pious") funded the building of a larger church here. He got buried in this church in 917. Around 1060, works on the church seen today started with the narthex. It took about 140 years, to complete it - and was a stopover at that time for many pilgrims to Santiago, only two days (60kms) away from Le Puy (Via Podensis). Near the apses and all around are many carved corbels, most of them probably from the last building period (1160/1200). Most are carved from a soft stone, so, depending from the place, some are very weathered, while others are still in a nearly perfect condition. The head of another little monkey protruding the tongue.

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church constructed between 1060 - 1200. The architectoral structure is influenced by great romanesque churches like "Notre-Dame-Du-Port" in Clermont-Ferrand (70kms north) or "Saint-Austremoine" in Issoire (30kms north), planned and constructed within the same century. Three or four very skilled architects worked here over the century, all witrh a different touch. So Saint-Julien is really special, as it differs from the other great churches of the Auvergne. Brioude was a center of pilgrimage very early, as already within the 4th century a "martyrion" existed over the grave of St. Julien. This building was replaced by an early basilica, financed by Victorius, a "comes" (count), installed by the Visigothic king Eurich after he had seized the Auvergne. Gregory of Tours (538-594 visited and described it, when he about a pilgrimage to Saint-Julien undertaken yearly from Avernis (= Clermont-Ferrand) to Brioude. Within the 10th century William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "Guillaume Le Pieux" - "William the Pious") funded the building of a larger church here. He got buried in this church in 917. Around 1060, works on the church seen today started with the narthex. It took about 140 years, to complete it - and was a stopover at that time for many pilgrims to Santiago, only two days (60kms) away from Le Puy (Via Podensis). Near the apses and all around are many carved corbels, most of them probably from the last building period (1160/1200). Most are carved from a soft stone, so, depending from the place, some are very weathered, while others are still in a nearly perfect condition. Here are four corbels. From left to right - a cute little ram, next a horrifying scene centered around a human skull. A bundle of snakes have entered the skull through mouth, nose and ears. Two of the snakes are coming out through the eyes! The rear parts of the snakes are broken off, so that the snake entering the ear looks like a large earplug. - Next to the right a little atlant, totally unimpressed by that bloodcurdling scene to his side. He is doing his job. Perfectly! - Beside him an ape or a monkey. Some years ago (before I owned a digital camera), I was so impressed by the distinctiveness of this "image", that my interest in "medieval apes and monkeys" started right here.

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church constructed between 1060 - 1200. The architectoral structure is influenced by great romanesque churches like "Notre-Dame-Du-Port" in Clermont-Ferrand (70kms north) or "Saint-Austremoine" in Issoire (30kms north), planned and constructed within the same century. Three or four very skilled architects worked here over the century, all witrh a different touch. So Saint-Julien is really special, as it differs from the other great churches of the Auvergne. Brioude was a center of pilgrimage very early, as already within the 4th century a "martyrion" existed over the grave of St. Julien. This building was replaced by an early basilica, financed by Victorius, a "comes" (count), installed by the Visigothic king Eurich after he had seized the Auvergne. Gregory of Tours (538-594 visited and described it, when he about a pilgrimage to Saint-Julien undertaken yearly from Avernis (= Clermont-Ferrand) to Brioude. Within the 10th century William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "Guillaume Le Pieux" - "William the Pious") funded the building of a larger church here. He got buried in this church in 917. Around 1060, works on the church still seen today started with the narthex. It took about 140 years, to complete it - and was a stopover at that time for many pilgrims to Santiago, only two days (60kms) away from Le Puy (Via Podensis). There are about 125 capitals and carvings inside Saint-Julien and they all differ in artistic style and quality. Bernard Craplet has found six (!) different workshops, what is not that surprising taking in account that it took more than a century to finish this building. None of the capitals of the nave depicts a biblical theme. The same "ape/man/rope" capital as seen before. It differs from all the other seen so far within the Auvergne (Droiturier, Besse, Issoire, Thuret, Saint-Nectaire, Clermont-Ferrand, Mozac...). Not the ape on the rope, called "singe cordé" in French, is so much different, but everything around adds new spice. Now seen from the other side the ape is the very left. Next to him that decorative tree, growing from two roots, further right is the "owner" of the ape, holding the rope. Beside him to the right is a small pillar, having a base and a carved capital. On this capital stands a small - - griffon. Is this a griffon? This is a small four legged animal, that could be a cat or small lion, but near the shoulder it does have a wing. Today, we do know, that griffons are mythical animals, but did the audience know that in 1120? Probably not. Could it be that this depicts a "faked griffon", that was shown? Together with an ape and a crippled person? Persons working in shopfitting ("store design"), call this kind of pillars "displays" today. So the griffon actually is placed on a display. I am still collecting evidence to prove the existence of the medieval "entertaining industry", having toured around the country. This for sure is one of the many bits and pieces.

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church constructed between 1060 - 1200. The architectoral structure is influenced by great romanesque churches like "Notre-Dame-Du-Port" in Clermont-Ferrand (70kms north) or "Saint-Austremoine" in Issoire (30kms north), planned and constructed within the same century. Three or four very skilled architects worked here over the century, all witrh a different touch. So Saint-Julien is really special, as it differs from the other great churches of the Auvergne. Brioude was a center of pilgrimage very early, as already within the 4th century a "martyrion" existed over the grave of St. Julien. This building was replaced by an early basilica, financed by Victorius, a "comes" (count), installed by the Visigothic king Eurich after he had seized the Auvergne. Gregory of Tours (538-594 visited and described it, when he about a pilgrimage to Saint-Julien undertaken yearly from Avernis (= Clermont-Ferrand) to Brioude. Within the 10th century William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "Guillaume Le Pieux" - "William the Pious") funded the building of a larger church here. He got buried in this church in 917. Around 1060, works on the church still seen today started with the narthex. It took about 140 years, to complete it - and was a stopover at that time for many pilgrims to Santiago, only two days (60kms) away from Le Puy (Via Podensis). There are about 125 capitals and carvings inside Saint-Julien and they all differ in artistic style and quality. Bernard Craplet has found six (!) different workshops, what is not that surprising taking in account that it took more than a century to finish this building. None of the capitals of the nave depicts a biblical theme. Another "ape/man/rope" capital, but this differs from all the other seen so far within the Auvergne (Droiturier, Besse, Issoire, Thuret, Saint-Nectaire, Clermont-Ferrand, Mozac...). Not the ape on the rope, called "singe cordé" in French, is so much different, but everything around adds some new spice. Left to the ape stands a man, described by B. Craplet having a "praying gesture". I think, this is a more like a greeting gesture ("Hi"). It is a rough carving, this person may be naked, his legs may be swollen, as if he would suffer from elephantiasis (not a medieval but a tropical disease). I see kind of a cripple, displayed in public (later done in "Freakshows"). I may be wrong, and B. Craplet is right, who wrote, that this capital is from mediocre workmanship. Any way, there is the ape on the rope - and a "strange person" on the left. To the right a very decorative tree, but taking a closer look makes clear, these are two trees. Futher right the man holding the rope, probably the owner of the "beast" - and further right, the "show" goes on...

The Basilica Saint-Julien in Brioude was a collegiate church constructed between 1060 - 1200. The architectoral structure is influenced by great romanesque churches like "Notre-Dame-Du-Port" in Clermont-Ferrand (70kms north) or "Saint-Austremoine" in Issoire (30kms north), planned and constructed within the same century. Three or four very skilled architects worked here over the century, all witrh a different touch. So Saint-Julien is really special, as it differs from the other great churches of the Auvergne. Brioude was a center of pilgrimage very early, as already within the 4th century a "martyrion" existed over the grave of St. Julien. This building was replaced by an early basilica, financed by Victorius, a "comes" (count), installed by Visigothic king Eurich after he had seized the Auvergne. Gregory of Tours (538-594) visited and described it, when he about a pilgrimage to Saint-Julien undertaken yearly from Avernis (= Clermont-Ferrand) to Brioude. Within the 10th century William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "Guillaume Le Pieux" - "William the Pious") funded the building of a larger church here. He got buried in this church in 917. Around 1060, works on the church still seen today started with the narthex. It took about 140 years, to complete it - and was a stopover at that time for many pilgrims to Santiago, only two days (60kms) away from Le Puy (Via Podensis). Here is the second of the medieval door-knockers in Brioude, often descibed in the literatur. I know, that in early times the rings were very important. In case a victim of persecution reached the door and and touched the ring had escaped from secular jurisdictation (by entering the clerical one). This was the handle to the sanctuary. I have seen a lot of medieval lions so far holding the ring. This is the first time, that I saw a monkey. Even B. Craplet describes this as a monkey! But it is not only that, there is another "sensation". Just over the monkey´s head is a signature! "GIRA(L)DUS ME FECIT". "Giraldus made me". Nothing is known about Giraldus, who, other than his collegue Gislebertus (of Autun), worked with metal. Around is engraved "ILLECEBRIS ORIS CAPTOS FALLAX TRA(H)IT ORBIS". - "The artful (devil) misleads the world with alluring lies." So the monkey here gave his face to the devil. The devil has a monkey face. Are all the apes and monkeys that roam through the romanesque Auvergne symbols of the evil? I do not think so, but this one, with his mesmerizing eyes - clearly is.