Melle - Saint-Pierre

Silver and lead were mined in Melle since Roman times. In Merovingian and Carolingian times it was a home of a mint. In 2008 archaeologists found a silver penny under the floor of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen (Aix La Chapelle). It was minted at METVLLO what is Melle today.

In medieval times Melle was a prosperous town, attracting many pilgrims following the Via Turonensis. The town (today´s pop. ~4000) still hosts three Romanesque churches, built during the 11th and 12th centuries.

An oratory, dedicated to St. Peter, existed here around 950 in the center of a Carolingian cementary. This humble chapel was dependent from the abbey of Saint-Maixent (25kms north). This small structure got extended and enlarged in two stages during the early 12th century. The choir with the nicely decorated chapels and transept form the oldest existing part.

The church was set on fire and defaced during the Wars of Religions. After the French Revolution this was the meeting place for the assemblies of the inhabitants. This corbel may depict a "Rich Man" or "Avarice", money bag around his neck.
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Located next to Saint-Pierre is the very comfortable and agreeable Chambre d'hôtes Carillon & Cadran. Nicole & François are very friendly and helped us a lot. Merci beaucoup!

chambredhotescarillon.jimdo.com/


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As I have uploaded many photos from here already, I will just add a few.