Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: psychostasie. Velay

Legends tell, that a small community of hermits lived here in the 6th century. A century later the group was led by (Saint) Eudes and after him by Eudes´ nephew (Saint) Theofrede. Theofrede got killed by the locals - and so he became a martyr named Saint Chaffre. The monastery adopted the Benedictine rule in 817 and found support from Louis the Pious. In the following two centuries three churches were erected here. All collapsed due to the unstable ground. The current, former abbey church was built from 1074 on. The former abbey church has a polychrome facade with a unique frieze (under the roof). Integrated into the walls are some smaller carvings. This one depicts the "Weighing of Souls". Archangel Michael holds the scale, but the devil has already grabbed to the poor soul by the legs.