Mozac - Saint-Pierre et Saint-Caprais

Mozac Abbey is one of the oldest monasteries in the Auvergne, dating back into Merovingian times. A legend tells that it was founded by Calminius (later Saint Calmin). He must have been pretty important and well off, as his name is connected to the foundations of three abbeys. He introduced the benedictian rules to the area, and brought (from Rome)a relic of Saint Peter and (from Agen) a relic of Saint Caprasius to Mozac. He got buried in the crypt of this church together with his wife Saint Namadie. Within the 9th century relics of Saint Austremonius, the first bishop of Clermont were transferred to Mozac, so already before Santiago de Compostella was on the map, this was a place of pilgrimage.

In 1095 Mozac abbey got affiliated to Cluny, but was important enough, to have Hugue of Semur, nephew of Hugue of Cluny here as abbot. He was followed by Eustachius, brother of Petrus Venerabilis.

Three churches could be traced here by archeologists, what can be seen today is "Mozac 3", a great church built within the first half of the 12th century.

As most of "Mozac 3" got destroyed by a number earthquakes between 1437 and 1490. Actually only ruins can be seen. Apses, choir, ambulatory, radial chapels, transept and clerestorys were beyond repair, when the early reconstruction started - in gothic style.

Most pillars and capitals of "Mozac 3" are still in place (in situ).
Some of the carvings here are so "perfect", that they seem to be much younger, even baroque, but all are - 12th century - romanesque.

-

There are three capitals, that are not "in situ" any longer. They are placed on the ground, so the detailled carvings are easily visible. These capitals are carved on all four sites.

This capital is known as "The Atlantes", but actually they do not carry any weight. They are on the knees, holding pine-cones. The four men, who are clearly individuals, form a kind of festoon all around the capital.