Roman-style (“Norman”) Church of St Andre-de-Bage

The church occupies the site of an ancient chapel dedicated to St Andrew, which came into the hands of the Lords of Bage after the 10th century. Lord Ulrich 1st of Bage gave it to Pierre, Abbot of Tournus, so that he could establish a priory. Building began in 1075 and continued till about 1125. You can still see traces of the foundations of the earlier chapel at the base of the walls of the nave. The octagonal bell-tower, whose spire is 37 metres high, has 3 floors, which become shallower as the height rises. On the facade there are alternating Lombard bands (columnar strips characteristic of the Roman style) and paired windows. The regular proportions and the lightness added by these features symbolise the “ascent to the Infinite”.
Access RD 28 01380 Saint-Andre-de-Bage. Parking nearby.
Allow The time you need
Open All year, key available, see notice on church door. Audio-guides available in French, English and German.
Free
Recognised as a jewel of roman art, the building has been listed as a historic monument in 1840 and hosts concerts and exhibitions during eh summer.Throughout the year an audio-guide (English and german) is available to visitors and there are explanatory signs inside and outside the building (keys are available to you at the neighbouring house)