The Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste Priory in Trizay is an ancient Benedictine priory founded in the 11th century, situated in Trizay, Charente-Maritime. Initially a dependency of the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu, it underwent restoration from 1994. The priory's convent buildings and church remnants are open to visitors and house a contemporary art center. Classified as a historical monument, it is also listed among the treasures of Saintonge.
Founded in the 11th century by a lord of Tonnay-Charente, the priory later became a dependency of the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu. Benefitting from generous donations, it faced challenges during the Wars of Religion. The priory went through a commendatory period, suffering from neglect and destruction. Sold as a national asset in 1791, it became an agricultural enterprise. The church served as a parish until 1843 when it closed, replaced by a chapel. Classified as a historical monument in 1920, the priory underwent patient restoration since 1994 and now houses a contemporary art center.
The priory features unique Romanesque church remnants from the 11th century with an octagonal structure, distinctive chapels, and ornate sculptural elements. The convent buildings include the chapter house, monk's hall, cellar, and dormitory. Despite the lost cloister, archaeological evidence suggests its existence, and discovered graves hint at religious or local lord burials.
Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey is a former Benedictine abbey. It was founded in about 1113 by Guillaume de Tancarville on the site of an earlier establishment of secular canons and settled by monks from the Abbey of Saint-Evroul. The abbey church made of Caumont stone was erected from 1113 to 1140. The Norman builders aimed to have very well-lit naves and they did this by means of tall, large windows, initially made possible by a wooden ceiling, which prevented uplift, although this was replaced by a Gothic vault in the 13th century. The chapter room was built after the abbey church and dates from the last quarter of the 12th century.
The arrival of the Maurist monks in 1659, after the disasters of the Wars of Religion, helped to get the abbey back on a firmer spiritual, architectural and economic footing. They erected a large monastic building one wing of which fitted tightly around the chapter house (which was otherwise left as it was).