| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
Conques is a village in the Aveyron département of southern France.
The Saint Foy abbey-church in Conques was a popular stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, in what is now Spain. Its construction was begun on the foundations of a smaller earlier basilica, directed by the abbot Odolric ( 1031- 1065) completed around the year 1120. It was built in Romanesque style, using a warm-colored local limestone infilled with a local gray schist. The daringly large dome that covered the crossing later collapsed and was replaced in the 15th century.
The main draw for medieval pilgrims at Conques was the skeleton of Saint Foy, a martyrHistorically, a martyr (from Greek martys for "witness") was considered to be a person who died for his or her religious faith, typically by being tortured to death. History In Christianity Christian martyrs in the first three centuries A. were crucifieded young woman from the 4th century3rd century 4th century 5th century other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 4th century was that century which lasted from 301 to 400. Events Definitive declaration of biblical canon: Council of Carthage Demotic is replaced by Gr. Her name has been assimilated into the general conception of 'Holy Faith.' In the late 9th century8th century 9th century 10th century other centuries) Events Beowulf might have been written down in this century, though it could also have been in the 8th century Viking attacks on Europe begin Oseberg ship burial around 813-around 915 period of serious, a monk from Conques stole these relics from a nearby monastery in order to draw travelers (and wealth) to Conques. The church that was eventually built had a double purpose, to accommodate the flock of pilgrims and at the same time to allow a community of monks to gather for the divine office seven times a day. Thus Saint Foy has been designed like a pilgrimageA pilgrimage is a journey by a religious person to a place that is sacred according to his or her religion. Pilgrimage in Hinduism There are several holy places with great significance to Hindus. Some of these (in India) include: Badrinath Kedarnath Gango shrine but also as an abbey-church. To serve the inhabitants of the town, a separate parish church was erected, dedicated to Saint Thomas of Canterbury (no longer standing).
In the 19th century, the author and antiquary Prosper Merimée, appointed the first Inspector of Historical Monuments, inspired thorough restorations.