Church of Saint-Hilaire the Great Poitiers — Attraction in Poitiers

The church of St. Hilaire is one of the most important monuments in Poitiers for a number of reasons. First of all, it retains a good deal of it's 11th century construction and sculpture. This is unusual in French cities, where the rise of Gothic architecture tended to result in the tearing down of Romanesque churches in favor of the elegant new trends of the 13th century on. The current incarnation was built with a timber roof, but when that was replaced with stone vaulting, the nave was found to be too wide to support the weight of the stone above, so some innovative measures were taken in the form of an extra row of piers on each side of the nave to help lessen the span to be supported by the exterior buttresses. The scale of the church is massive, not necessarily in height, but in the volume of the building. Walk slowly down an aisle on one side, traverse the chevet slowly, marvel at the changing light, the 11th and 12th century carvings on the capitals and interior corbels, the remnants of Romanesque frescoes, and try to imagine how a rural medieval pilgrim would have reacted to a structure of this magnitude. You can easily spend an hour or more soaking up the peaceful ambience of the place.

Another point of interest about this structure is the fact that part of the west end is missing, as this building was partially destroyed in quarrying activity following the French Revolution. Much of the vaulting in the nave and the western façade were rebuilt during the late-19th century reconstruction boom led by such people as Violet-le-Duc and Joly-Laterme. However, the building is NOT from the 19th century, as another reviewer has stated. St. Hilaire is a remarkable example of 11th and 12th century Romanesque architecture that, despite the relatively small areas of 19th-century reconstruction, is remarkably well preserved. It sits atop the central butte of Poitiers, some distance from the Centre Ville, but it is well worth the hike to get there. It is one of the places I visit every time I am...

Magical, elegant and beautiful historical ambience. It's history is a fascinating one which dates back to the 11th century. As you approach this church you are immediately drawn to her unusual and unique style. It was damaged during the French Revolution and was restored in the second half of the nineteenth century. A great atmosphere that welcomes all ages, backgrounds and religious beliefs. It's wheelchair friendly and highly recommended for the whole family. It's easily accessible if you're staying in Poitiers or accessible from surrounding areas by public transport or driving. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site bestowed in 1998. A charming and...

Dans les rues de Poitiers, un trésor s'élève, L'église Saint-Hilaire le Grand, où l'âme se relève. Sous voûtes anciennes, le silence s'installe, Un havre de paix, où l'esprit se dévoile.

Là, chaque pierre murmure des secrets, Des siècles d'histoire, des prières en reflet. Les ombres dansent, caressées par la lumière, Un souffle divin, une douce prière.

Dans l’air flotte une grâce, une profondeur, Un écho de sérénité, une ode au cœur. Loin des tumultes, de l’agitation, On trouve ici refuge, on touche l’ascension.

Les chants des âmes, en harmonie s’élèvent, Dans ce sanctuaire, où le temps s’achève. La spiritualité s’y mêle à l’infini, Église sacrée, trésor de l’esprit.

Ô Saint-Hilaire, lieu d’éternelle clarté, Chaque visite en toi est une douce vérité. Tu es le symbole d’une foi vivante, Un port d’accueil, une lumière vibrante.

Que ceux qui franchissent ton seuil, se laissent porter, Dans ton silence sublime, leur cœur apaisé. À jamais, dans l’ombre de tes murs vénérés, Saint-Hilaire le Grand, de l'instant présent...