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French people’s Favorite Monument (Le Monument Préféré des Français), a TV program presented by Stéphane Bern on France 3, is back for its 8th edition! This year, the Monolithic Church in Saint-Emilion is in the running to represent the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Created in 2014, every year the French people’s Favorite Monument elects a monument from France’s built cultural heritage. The principle is quite simple. In the first phase, Internet users can choose one monument from each region of mainland France and one from overseas France. The 14 selected sites will then enter the second phase, the results of which will be announced on the weekend of 17 September during the 39th Heritage Days.
Last year, the Tour de La Rochelle, representing the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, came 3rd. This year, the three regional monuments in competition are the Château des Milandes (Dordogne), the Pont Transbordeur (Charente-Maritime), and the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion (Gironde).
A religious building dating from the early 12th century, this is the largest underground church in Europe! It stands in the heart of the town of Saint-Emilion, with its bell tower as its highest point.
From the ancient Greek “mono”, meaning “unique”, and “lithos”, meaning “stone”, its name refers to a building dug into the limestone plateau, the actual structure of which still forms a single block.
Historians believe that it was built following the development of the town around a pilgrimage to the tomb of the holy patron Saint Emilion. This Breton hermit, famous for his miracles, settled in a cave in the heart of the village in the 8th century and created the first religious community. This is how the great monastic city was created, which the faithful gave its name to a few centuries later. The Monolithic Church was built to welcome hundreds of pilgrims and commemorate the memory of Saint Emilion.
A fragile building that, nevertheless, survived periods of turmoil before being renovated in the 20th century. However, ongoing work is being carried out to preserve this exceptional heritage!
Today, it remains an important place in the life of the town. It is the venue for religious ceremonies and the Saint-Emilion Jurade’s enthronement ceremonies.
The Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion was and remains an emblematic monument of the vineyard! So we’re all very proud that it has been nominated for the title of French People’s Favorite Monument (Monument Préféré des Français)!
So let’s get together and pay tribute to this place!
To vote, go HERE
