Dinan - Basilica of Saint-Sauveur

When Riwallon le Roux returned from the Holy Land to Dinan after the First Crusade, he immediately started to build this church in 1132. There is no proof about this, but the first written document from 1131 noted down, that Riwallon´s nephew Alain de Dinan transfers the ownership of this church to the Abbey of Saint-Jacut (20kms north). Following this, the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur was part of a priory, dependent from the abbey.

The facade of the Basilique Saint-Sauveur dates back to the 12th century. Most carvings are very weathered. Here are capitals, populated by mystic creatures.

From left to right: Large,worm-like chimeras hold a small (horned) devil , a lion (?), a deer (weathered antler) and a very well fed mermaid.