This multimedia tour is a dynamic way to visit Bénévent and discover its history and savoir-faire, thanks to its audio and video sequences.
This sequence shows how famous architect Paul Abadie led an incredible renovation campaign on Bénévent’s abbey church during the 19th century.
This sequence shows how famous architect Paul Abadie led an incredible renovation campaign on Bénévent’s abbey church during the 19th century.
This video will help you to imagine what Bénévent abbey used to look like, back when the buildings around the abbey church, which no longer exist, were still standing.
In the wall behind you, find the odd sculpted stone. What does it represent ?
That’s correct, they are lilies, symbolizing royalty. They are represented inside of a coat of arms, on this stone, which was once part of the old Gothic church’s chapel keystone. Further to the right of the wall, there is another keystone as well as a cross shaped stone, from the very same chapel. They were simply reused.
Wrong answer, sorry ! They are lilies, symbolizing royalty. They are represented inside of a coat of arms, on this stone, which was once part of the old Gothic church’s chapel keystone. Further to the right of the wall, there is another keystone as well as a cross shaped stone, from the very same chapel. They were simply reused.
Wrong answer, sorry ! They are lilies, symbolizing royalty. They are represented inside of a coat of arms, on this stone, which was once part of the old Gothic church’s chapel keystone. Further to the right of the wall, there is another keystone as well as a cross shaped stone, from the very same chapel. They were simply reused.
Meet Marc Bricard, a man who created terraced gardens just below Bénévent abbey church, much like monastic gardens back in the Middle Ages. In this interview, he explains the different plants’ medicinal properties as well as how some were used for their colours.
For further information, « Plantes et couleurs » association organizes various plant transformation workshops (inks, dyes, cosmetics…).
This sculpted head is a modillion. What does it represent ?
The church has 145 different modillions, except for two, that are exactly the same. The modillion opposite this one is exactly the same snake headed modillion. Their alignment separates the sacred part of the church (nave, transept and choir), from the non-sacred part (narthex).
The church has 145 different modillions, except for two, that are exactly the same. The modillion opposite this one is exactly the same snake headed modillion. Their alignment separates the sacred part of the church (nave, transept and choir), from the non-sacred part (narthex).
The church has 145 different modillions, except for two, that are exactly the same. The modillion opposite this one is exactly the same snake headed modillion. Their alignment separates the sacred part of the church (nave, transept and choir), from the non-sacred part (narthex).
Before entering the church portal , watch this video. It will help you to understand the church’s main curiosities, especially its recumbent statue and its sculpted capitals.
Pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela played an important part in the prosperity and notoriety of Bénévent. This sequence explains the tradition of pilgrimage.
From the 19th century to the 1960s, Bénévent was renowned for its butchers, specialized in lamb meat. This is a video about that particular trade.
Discover Bénéventine, a local drink with a story of its own.
The entire front of this house is covered in chestnut shingles, a local skill evoked in this video by Marc Richard, filmed using the old-fashioned technique.
Listen to how the town of Bénévent evolved in the 19th century, to improve its hygienic conditions and the lives of its inhabitants.
The fountain isn’t originally from here. Where did it come from ?
Originally, this fountain, whose basin is the same age as the church, was located in the abbey’s courtyard. It was displaced in 1831. That is when a central stone column was added on. The fountain is a registered Historical Monument (supplementary inventory).
Originally, this fountain, whose basin is the same age as the church, was located in the abbey’s courtyard. It was displaced in 1831. That is when a central stone column was added on. The fountain is a registered Historical Monument (supplementary inventory).
Originally, this fountain, whose basin is the same age as the church, was located in the abbey’s courtyard. It was displaced in 1831. That is when a central stone column was added on. The fountain is a registered Historical Monument (supplementary inventory).
