The Prieuré de Carluc is a medieval complex located in Céreste, within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The site was an important étape on the via Domitia, a route known as via publica and then camin roumieu during the Moyen Âge. It attracted many pilgrims and travelers drawn by the reputation of sanctity associated with its founder. The monastery's history dates back to at least a 1011 charter of donation. While it is uncertain if the abbot of Montmajour was the original founder, he certainly renovated the site and it became a dependency of the abbey of Montmajour à partir du XIIe siècle.
The architecture features a blend of stone masonry and rock-cut structures. The chapel features a pentagonal chevet with three windows and a checkered frieze. The masonry is perforated by numerous boulin holes, which were left by scaffolding. The angles of the gable wall to which the chevet is adjoined are decorated with beautiful columns topped with sculpted capitals depicting birds.
Moines had access to the gallery through a round-arched door in the North wall of the priory. This long rock-cut gallery is unique in that its western part is carved into the rock while its eastern face was carefully built with masonry. Located slightly below the chapel, it is accessed by a monumental staircase.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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