St-Jean-de-Montierneuf, Poitiers
Apse of St-Jean-de-Montierneuf. Photo © Jaufré Rudel.
Carved capitals on the exterior. Photo © Jaufré Rudel.
Small carvings on the exterior. Photo © Jaufré Rudel.
Location map and aerial view of St-Jean-de-Montierneuf. For a larger interactive view, see our Poitiers Map.
On the north side of the old town in Poitiers is the 11th-century church of St-Jean-de-Montierneuf, originally belonging to a Benedictine monastery.
History
St-Jean-de-Montierneuf Church was once part of an abbey, which was founded by William VII and consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II. The facade was rebuilt in the 17th century.
What to See
The exterior of the Church of Montierneuf features a fine Renaissance doorway, Romanesque apse, Gothic flying buttresses and two small bell turrets that recall the towers on Notre Dame-la-Grande.
Inside is a very bright triple nave, raised Gothic chancel, and large stained glass windows. The chancel, columns and some of the chapels rest on the Romanesque parts of the vast ambulatory.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | St-Jean-de-Montierneuf; Montierneuf Church; St. John's Church |
| Dedicated to: | St. John |
| Location: | Poitiers, Poitou-Charentes, France |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Order: | Benedictine |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1096 |
| Architecture: | Romanesque, Gothic |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 46.589276° N, 0.345436° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Phone: | 05 49 41 21 24 (Poitiers tourism office) |
Travel Resources
- Poitiers Map - our detailed interactive map of Poitiers, plus hand-picked links to more
- Poitiers Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Poitiers Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Poitiers Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Poitiers Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Poitiers tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Saint-Jean-de-Montierneuf Church - Vienna Tourism
- Saint-Jean-de-Montierneuf Church, Poitiers - Structurae
Article last updated: 07/13/2009.
