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Origin and history

The chapel of Saint-Cyprien de Bressuire, founded in the 10th century by the Viscount of Thouars, is given to the Abbey of Saint-Cyprien de Poitiers. It was rebuilt in the 13th century, a period of which today the circular apse in primitive Romanesque style, with its modillon cornice, and a Romanesque door on the redesigned facade. A Benedictine priory is established there, linked to the Poitevin Abbey.

In 1305, the chapel welcomed Bertrand de Got, future Pope Clement V, a few days before his election. The building, sold as a national property during the Revolution, is transformed into an agricultural building. After its acquisition in 1946 by the association The friends of the old Bressuire, then his transfer to the commune in 1949, he became a museum before being restored for cultural uses (exhibitions, concerts).

The chapel preserves remarkable elements: a vaulted crypt of the 12th century, accessible from the apse, and medieval paintings on the north wall of the choir, depicting life-size characters, as well as a Christ and a saint (XIVth century?). The central column of the crypt, adorned with volutes, supports seven low arc doubles. The building, registered as a historical monument in 1937, now belongs to the municipality of Bressuire.

Its history reflects the religious and political upheavals of the region, from its role as Benedictine priory to its modern rehabilitation into a cultural space. The presence of Clement V, Pope of Avignon, marks his medieval importance, while his crypt and his paintings testify to his unknown artistic heritage.

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