St. Peter's Church


1 Rue Saint-Pierre, 79500 Melle


A true Romanesque work, built at the beginning of the 12th century, the church of Saint-Pierre offers a sculpture of great finesse. Of the three churches in Melle, the church dedicated to the apostle Peter is undoubtedly the most harmonious in its proportions. Inside, the triple nave, vaulted in a broken barrel vault, features magnificent marquees from the 12th century. The Thornbeater, Christ's Tombing, monsters, birds in boat-shaped leaves, mask and angel motifs - all sculptures of rare beauty worth a visit.

The Carolingian epitaphs, exposed in the nave, were discovered in the vicinity of the building. Their exceptional craftsmanship testifies to a society of literates, certainly linked to mine exploitation.

One of the interior walls houses a tomb enclosed by a black marble table. This tomb is that of the founder of a pagan festival celebrated from the thirteenth century: the Bachelerie, whose tradition continued until 1974.

 



Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm



one step


His/Her Works present at the Biennale

photo oeuvre
St. Peter's Church Rising sun