Crypte et archéocrypte de Sainte-Sigolène

The discovery of the "Life" of Saint Sigolene in the Moissac scriptorium in the 19th century, local oral tradition, and various publications in the 20th century. The study of the "Life" carried out by the German Lewison at the beginning of the XNUMXth century made it possible to locate the places where she lived with her family.

We are at the very beginning of the 7th century. The Albigensian region is attached to Austrasia (capital Metz); Aquitaine to Neustria, which gives rise to border conflicts. To keep these possessions in the Albigensian region, Dagobert or Thierry II, sends a duke, a war chief, named Chramnischise to the region, who will settle at the place called Troclar with his warriors. The choice of places is not random, archaeological work has revealed a Gallo-Roman occupation of the site. Beautiful remains must exist and will be used by the Austrasians. In addition, an important crossroads of various roads use the ford built at Troclar to cross the Tarn River. (with a toll?)

The "Life" of Saint Sigolène tells us that she was born in the Albigensian region and that she had two brothers, Sigisbaud and Babo. She was promised in marriage at the age of twelve and became a widow ten years later, without descendants. She wanted to join a monastery, which her father, fearing that his daughter would squander her dowry and inheritance on gifts to the poor and sick, refused. Faced with her obstinacy, he had one of the first women's monasteries built for her on his lands at Troclar with a hostel, hospice, for pilgrims and the sick, and named her abbess of this monastery.

The archaeological work initiated by Jean Lautier and continued by Marie-Claude and Pierre Cabot took place in stages from 1971 to 2003. It brought to light two churches, one of which houses the remains of the crypt that preserved Sigolène's body for three centuries. The monastery and various domestic buildings, typical of the Merovingian era, were discovered to the north of the churches. The quantity of furniture unearthed immerses us in the daily life of the people from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century.

Ceramic dishes and containers, numerous metal objects used for carpentry, cultivation, harnessing draft animals, hunting, war, etc. Made using animal bones, two flutes, a small die, a piece from a board game, etc.

To present the archaeological finds to the public, the commune of Lagrave has built a cultural building housing the medieval museum, the Achaeocrypt of Saint Sigolène, which can be visited without moderation.

The remains of the crypt are a 15-minute walk from the cemetery. These are listed as a historic monument and can be visited upon request. You will be asked to show your ID during your visit.

Visit suitable for children aged 6 to 12.
Reservations recommended for groups to ensure the number of guides.