Cunault Abbey Church
It is said that Saint Maxenceul (Saint Maxentius), a disciple of Saint Martin of Tours who evangelised the region in the 4th century, founded the monastery in the 5th century. In 845, the Count of Tours gave the monastery to the Benedictine monks of Saint-Philibert Abbey when they fled the Ile de Noirmoutier during the Viking raids.
However, in 862, the monks fled once again as the Vikings advanced on the Loire River and took refuge in Tournus in Burgundy, carrying with them the relics of their patron saint, Saint Philibert.
Monks returned to Cunault in the 11th century and built Cunault Abbey church in the 12th century, establishing a flourishing priory, attached to Tournus. The Abbey thrived until the French Revolution. It was pillaged and destroyed, but the church was fortunately spared.
Considered a masterpiece of Angevin Romanesque architecture, it boasts a superb bell tower, enlarged with a stone spire in the 15th century. The interior of Notre-Dame de Cunault features remarkable ancient frescoes and a magnificent polychrome Pietà.
However, it is the imposing size of the nave, supported by 223 Angevin Gothic columns topped with spectacular 11th- and 12th-century sculpted capitals, that truly commands admiration!
Shrine of Saint-Maxenceul
The relics of Saint Maxenceul are kept in a poly-chrome walnut reliquary, carved and painted in the 13th century, and placed in one of the side chapels. Every year on September 8th, Cunault Abbey church opens its doors to pilgrims who come from all over the kingdom to pay homage to Saint Maxentius.
The church has another unique feature: its four bells were brought back from Constantine Cathedral after the Algerian War.
Cunault Abbey church was listed as a historical monument in 1846 and continues to draw crowds for its Sunday services; it is advisable to arrive early to ensure you get a seat. The church also serves as the setting for the Les Heures Musicales de Cunault (Cunault Musical Hours), a series of classical and baroque music concerts which takes place in July and August.
Department of Maine-et-Loire – Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault
Coordinates: Lat 47.329700 – Long -0.200273
