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Origin and history

The abbey Saint-Antoine-et-Saint-Pierre de Lézat, founded around 950 by Aton de Benoît, Viscount de Béziers, was originally attached to the order of Cluny. It was then placed under the dependence of the Cuxa Abbey at the end of the 10th century, then again under Cluny Abbey at the end of the 11th century. The church was entirely rebuilt around 1040 by Bernard, bishop of Couserans, and the abbey prospered by acquiring priories like that of Saint-Béat in 1003.

In the 14th century, the abbey was enlarged with lateral chapels and an extension to the west. In 1744, the monacal buildings were rebuilt by architect François Franque, including an abbey palace. The abbey was abolished in 1776 after the dispersal of the last ten monks of the Ancient Observance. Today, there are only Romanesque remains, the Abbatial Palace (called the Priory) and the 18th century Conventual Building, occupied by the Town Hall.

The abbey claimed possession of the relics of St.Antoine, stolen from the East, although other places such as St.Antoine Abbey or Montmajour also claimed detention. Medieval abbey, destroyed in the 19th century, has left room for remains classified as historical monuments since 1988. The facades and roofs of the Abbey and the 18th century monastery are protected, as are the underground remains of the 12th century.

Historical sources mention differences on the date of foundation, some of which date back to 859 under Charles le Chauve, while others place the foundation around 950. The abbey was a place of religious and economic influence, linked to conflicts of guardianship between Cluny and Moissac, notably in 1236 and 1470, before a transaction in 1474.

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