In the 8th century, a Breton monk named Emilion fled to southern France to escape persecution by the Benedictine order and adopted an eremitic existence, living in a cave. It is said that he established a strong Christian community in the area, performing miracles and attracting a following of monks. (...)
In the 8th century, a Breton monk named Emilion fled to southern France to escape persecution by the Benedictine order and adopted an eremitic existence, living in a cave. It is said that he established a strong Christian community in the area, performing miracles and attracting a following of monks. The region where he settled, which came to be known as Saint-Emilion, acquired wealth and prominence due wine production and to its strategic position along a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. These fortunate circumstances gave rise to a number of religious monuments in the vicinity, including the Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church. Constructed in the early 12th century, the church is partly subterranean; its three naves, with a small catacomb beneath, were dug into a rocky hillside. Saint-Emilion also possesses a 53-meter-high bell-tower that creates a visible landmark. By the late 20th century, however, the 3,000 ton weight of this tower had shifted far off its supports and was thus susceptible to collapse.
