Le Dorat
Le Dorat

This multimedia audio and video tour takes you to explore Le Dorat’s 12th century collegiate church and remarkable constructions such as the town’s mansions.

1h10
1,8km
Steps
Departure :
1.
Religious buildings and communities

The town of Le Dorat was founded around a religious community called a chapter. Eric Sparhubert, who is a Medieval History lecturer at the University of Limoges, tells us all about its origins, and helps separate facts from legends.

2.
Religious buildings and communities

Le Dorat chapter was made up of canons. Anne Massoni, a Medieval History lecturer at the University of Limoges, explains the role played by these monks and how their lives were organized in the city.

3.
Religious buildings and communities

This great Romanesque church, called a “collegiate church” because it was part of a chapter of canons, has kept its harmonious 12th century architecture. Learn all about its construction thanks to Eric Sparhubert.

4.
Objects of religious art

The collegiate church is decorated with remarkable Romanesque sculpted capitals, which you can see up close in this video.

5.

This baptismal font probably dates back to the 12th century. It was carved in a single slab of granite. What animals are carved on it ?

6.
Objects of religious art, Traditions and beliefs

The chapter’s prosperity developed thanks to the worship of the relics of two local saints, Israel and Theobald. Find out more thanks to this audio guide and its slides.

7.
Objects of religious art, Know-how and materials

Le Dorat’s organ is an exceptional 19th century instrument. Organ-maker Jean-Loup Boisseau invites you to discover how the organ works, to meet organ-player Dominique Lasnier and to hear him play.

8.
Traditions and beliefs

Jacques Pérot, who applied for the « Ostensions Limousines » UNESCO registration, explains the medieval roots of this tradition. Laurent Gouneau, the town’s priest, discusses the specificity of Le Dorat’s Ostensions.

9.
Defensive constructions

Find out how and why the fortified tower became part of the collegiate church’s harmonious architecture in the 15th century.

10.
Buildings and public life

In the 16th century, a court of law opened in Le Dorat, to settle all court cases in the entire Basse-Marche area. It used to be located where the Carmelite convent was built. Here is its story.

11.
Religious buildings and communities

Between the 17th and the 20th centuries, le Dorat was home to many religious congregations. Many of the old buildings still remain today [such as Notre Dame du Temple chapel, where you are standing now]. This audio guide explains the history of these communities.

12.
Houses, mansions and dwellings

Find out about « hôtel de la Pouge », one of Le Dorat’s remarkable buildings, among the many residences built by the town’s law officers and court notables.

13.

The door of the house called « Maison Saint Savin », has a head sculpted on its pediment. What do you call this type of architectural element ?

14.

These two 17th and 18th century houses standing face to face are old mansions. They are easy to recognize, thanks to their door ornaments. Who had these mansions built?

15.

Have a close look at the fountain in the middle of the town square. Mr and Mrs Robert-Lapayrière had it built and donated it to the town, in memory of their two children, Jeanne and Clément, who died in an accident. What do you think the statue is pointing at ?

16.
Castles, Memory and destinies of men

The castle of the Counts of La Marche stood upon a hill north of the town, between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The people of Le Dorat owe its foundation to their ancestor Boson le Vieux que le Dorat. Listen to the story of the knights and their rivalry with the chapter.

17.
Defensive constructions, Arrangement of public space

Porte Bergère, one of Le Dorat’s emblematic monuments used to be part of the fortifications which surrounded the town. This audio guide and its slides will help you to fully comprehend Le Dorat’s defense system.

18.
Objects of religious art

The collegiate church tower’s arrow has an angel upon it. Find out more in this audio guide.

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