Only minutes from the centre of Amboise the
Collegiate church of Saint Denis sits on a piece
of high ground as if trying to compete with its
grander neighbour the chateau.Built at the
beginning of the 12th century on the site of an
earlier church ( 4th century and Gallo-Roman
monument before that ) it still,in spite of many
alterations and renovations, hangs on to its
Romanesque origins.
Inside the choir and asp are striking.
The magnificent seventeenth century altarpiece features a
painting of the Holy Family flanked by statues
and gilding.
The church's organ sits under the vaulted
ceiling of the nave which have some wonderful
*detail that I failed to capture!.
There is a delightful 16th century sculpture
depicting the preparation of Jesus' body for
burial.
As the church has a direct link to Saint Martin,he
established the first church here, he features in
many of the stained glass widows of the church.
Where's Joan? Don't think she features but may
well go back for another look'
A view of the church looking down the hill.
This is the view from the 'side' of the church
which in the past may well have been the main
entrance.
|
