Saint-Savin-de-Bigorre, Abbey of

views updated

SAINT-SAVIN-DE-BIGORRE, ABBEY OF

Former Benedictine abbey located in the Diocese of Tarbes, department of the Upper Pyrenees, arrondissement and canton of Argelès. Its origins date back probably to the reign of charlemagne and to the convent of Saint-Martin (-de-Bencer), where the body of St. Savinus had been transported (d. c. 794). His relics were the object of veneration by the pilgrims of Compostela. (see santiago de compostela.) The abbey was affiliated with saint-victor in marseilles in 1080 and was reformed by the congregation of Saint-Maur in 1625. The old abbey church is still admired for its austere but beautiful architecture.

Bibliography: Archives départementales des Basses-Pyrénées H 147158. Archives départementales des Haules-Pyrénées H 95117. a. meillon, Histoire de la vallée de Cauterets, 2 v. (Cauterets 192036), v.1 Les Origines: Le Cartulaire de l'abbaye de Saint-Savin-en-Lavedan, v.2 L'Abbaye de Saint-Savin-en-Lavedan. l. h. cottineau, Répertoire topobibliographique des abbayes et prieurés, 2 v. (Mâcon 193539) 2:288283.

[j. trÉmenbert-le braz]

About this article

Saint-Savin-de-Bigorre, Abbey of

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article

NEARBY TERMS

Saint-Savin-de-Bigorre, Abbey of