A medieval chapel from the XIIIᵉ-XIVᵉ centuries, linked to Moissac and Arnaud d'Euse, Saint-Pierre d'Ax retains remarkable architecture and a XVIᵉ century bell. Remodeled in the XVᵉ, it conceals strong alchemical symbols.
A history steeped in time
Originally attached to the seigneury of Montesquieu, the chapel was also one of the many possessions of the Abbey of Moissac. Built in the XIIIᵉ and XIVᵉ centuries, it dates back to the time when Arnaud d'Euse, bishop of Cahors and future pope of Avignon under the name of Jean XXII, marked his time as a protector of the sciences and an alchemist!
In the Middle Ages, these isolated chapels were sometimes the scene of intellectual gatherings, even though such practices were forbidden.
Even today, Saint-Pierre d'Ax bears the marks of its past, with its rectangular floor plan, flat chevet and triangular bell tower-wall, typical of the region, featuring three bell windows. One of these bays houses a XVIᵉ century bell, weighing around 137 kg, still in good condition despite its great age.
The interior unveils a vault that faithfully reproduces that of the Notre-Dame chapel in the Saint-Martin church in Moissac, and remarkable features such as a Eucharistic armarium and a holy water stoup bearing the intriguing inscription: "Far from discord here".
A link to alchemy
More than just a religious building, Saint-Pierre d'Ax is intriguing for its design, inspired by the Temple of Solomon. Remodeled in the XVᵉ century by alchemists and philosophers, the chapel contains mysterious symbols. In particular, the choir's three windows illustrate alchemical themes such as the two Natures or the Sun, adding an esoteric dimension to its architecture.
Originally attached to the seigneury of Montesquieu, the chapel was also one of the many possessions of the Abbey of Moissac. Built in the XIIIᵉ and XIVᵉ centuries, it dates back to the time when Arnaud d'Euse, bishop of Cahors and future pope of Avignon under the name of Jean XXII, marked his time as a protector of the sciences and an alchemist!
In the Middle Ages, these isolated chapels were sometimes the scene of intellectual gatherings, even though such practices were forbidden.
Even today, Saint-Pierre d'Ax bears the marks of its past, with its rectangular floor plan, flat chevet and triangular bell tower-wall, typical of the region, featuring three bell windows. One of these bays houses a XVIᵉ century bell, weighing around 137 kg, still in good condition despite its great age.
The interior unveils a vault that faithfully reproduces that of the Notre-Dame chapel in the Saint-Martin church in Moissac, and remarkable features such as a Eucharistic armarium and a holy water stoup bearing the intriguing inscription: "Far from discord here".
A link to alchemy
More than just a religious building, Saint-Pierre d'Ax is intriguing for its design, inspired by the Temple of Solomon. Remodeled in the XVᵉ century by alchemists and philosophers, the chapel contains mysterious symbols. In particular, the choir's three windows illustrate alchemical themes such as the two Natures or the Sun, adding an esoteric dimension to its architecture.
