Saint-Amant-de-Boixe - Abbaye de Saint-Amant

Legends tell, that Saint Amantius, born 520 in Bordeaux, lived a pious life here and did miracles. He died around 600 and his tomb was the center of the abbey founded here.

The monks followed the Benedictine rule from about 1000 on. Placed near the Via Turonensis a large church was needed. It got erected from 1125 on.

The church, seen here, got consecrated in November 1170. The abbey thrived and owned 16 priories alone. A blaze caused much damage to the convent in the 13th. century. Within the next century choir and cloister got rebuilt in Gothic style, but the 100 Years War stopped the development.

A decline started and in 1774 the last monk had left. As even the Maurists were not interested, the a royal edict ended the history of the abbey. After the French Revolution all convent buildings were sold. The church since then serves the parish.

Near the crossing are many carvings. Here are two large vegetarian lions. In paradies all carnivores will become vegans. But that may be a long way.