Saint Saturnin's Churchyard

Nestled in the charming Vienne district of Blois, Saint Saturnin's Churchyard, locally known as Aître Saint-Saturnin, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. This unique site, originally a cemetery, has evolved over the centuries into a lapidary museum, preserving the echoes of its rich history and cultural significance.

The Historical Tapestry of Saint Saturnin's Churchyard

The origins of Saint Saturnin's Churchyard date back to the early 16th century when it was established to accommodate the overflow from an existing cemetery. The parish wardens of Saint Saturnin acquired the land between 1515 and 1516, with the support of King Francis I, whose emblem, the salamander, still adorns the walls. This site was chosen to provide a sacred resting place near the church, reflecting the Renaissance trend of transforming cemeteries into serene gardens surrounded by galleries.

The galleries served as charnel houses where bodies were interred to decompose before their bones were stored under the arcades. Decorated with sculptures depicting themes of death and the danse macabre, the churchyard became a vivid reminder of life's transience. However, by the late 18th century, changing hygiene theories led to the relocation of burial sites away from populated areas, and the churchyard was abandoned following the French Revolution.

From Cemetery to Lapidary Museum

After its abandonment as a cemetery, the site found new life when the Vienne General Hospital proposed using it as a laundry facility. Despite this utilitarian transformation, the architectural integrity of the churchyard remained intact, leading to its classification as a historical monument in 1886.

In the early 20th century, Dr. Frédéric Lesueur, a passionate conservator, recognized the site's architectural and cultural value. His efforts led to the acquisition of the churchyard by the city of Blois in 1923, eventually transforming it into a repository for architectural fragments salvaged from buildings destroyed during World War II. Today, it houses an impressive collection of nearly 550 diverse fragments, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Exploring the Architecture of Saint Saturnin's Churchyard

The architecture of Saint Saturnin's Churchyard is a testament to the ingenuity of its time. From an aerial view, the site forms an almost regular quadrilateral open garden, surrounded by covered galleries of varying widths. Unlike typical charnel houses of the period, these galleries were built without an upper floor, suggesting a unique approach to storing the remains directly under the roofs.

The sculptural elements and frescoes, though weathered by time, continue to captivate visitors with their intricate depictions of mortality and the macabre dance, a popular motif during the Renaissance. The wooden structures and roofing, carefully restored, add to the churchyard's historical charm.

The Future of Saint Saturnin's Churchyard

After decades of neglect, a comprehensive restoration of Saint Saturnin's Churchyard was announced in 2023, with plans to complete it by 2026. This revitalization effort aims to preserve the site's historical integrity while enhancing its accessibility for visitors. The city of Blois, along with the Friends of Old Blois association, periodically offers guided tours, allowing guests to delve into the rich history and architectural beauty of this remarkable monument.

In conclusion, Saint Saturnin's Churchyard is not just a relic of the past but a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of Blois' cultural heritage. As it stands on the brink of a new chapter, this historic site invites visitors to explore its storied past and envision its promising future.