Hermitage of Saint Emilion

Religious Building in Saint-Émilion

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Floriane41

The Hermitage of Saint Émilion is a fascinating underground site located beneath the Trinity Chapel in Saint-Émilion, France. It is believed to be the cave where Saint Émilion, a Breton monk, lived as a hermit in the 8th century. Seeking solitude and devotion, he carved out a simple dwelling in the limestone rock, which later became a place of pilgrimage. Over time, the site was expanded, and by the 11th century, it was incorporated into the vast underground sanctuary that includes the Monolithic Church.

One of the most intriguing features of the hermitage is the seat of fertility, a carved stone chair that, according to legend, grants fertility to those who sit on it. This belief has persisted for centuries, making the hermitage a site of both religious and cultural significance. The underground space also contains a burial crypt, which is said to be the final resting place of Saint Émilion himself.

The Trinity Chapel, built above the hermitage in the 13th century, features 14th-century frescoes that depict religious scenes. These paintings add to the mystical atmosphere of the site, connecting the underground sanctuary to the broader religious history of Saint-Émilion. The chapel and hermitage are part of the Saint-Émilion Underground Tour, which also includes the Monolithic Church (not inluding the tower) and catacombs.

Today, the Hermitage of Saint Émilion remains an important historical and spiritual landmark. Access is only possible through guided tours, ensuring its preservation while allowing visitors to experience its rich history.

The Hermitage of Saint Emilion appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Émilion!

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