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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Collège Saint-Liphard de Meung-sur-Loire is a Catholic church classified as a historical monument since 1840. It is built on the tomb of Saint Liphard of Orléans, a hermit and founder of a Benedictine monastery in the sixth century. The latter, Clovis's cousin and former governor of Orleans, retired to Meung to live alone before founding a religious community.

The present church was rebuilt between 1101 and 1104 at its present location, after the destruction of the primitive building. It became a collegiate church at the end of the 11th century. Over the centuries, she underwent changes, notably under Charlemagne, who entrusted her to Theodulphe, bishop of Orleans, in 798. His possessions then spread over several regions, such as the Berry or the Touraine.

During the French Revolution in 1793, the college was transformed into a meeting place for revolutionary clubs and then into a store. The jube and most altars were destroyed at that time. Restorations took place between 1801 and 1837 to give the building its present appearance.

The architecture of the college reflects its medieval origins, with elements from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It remains a major testimony of the religious and historical heritage of the Centre-Val de Loire region, linked to the figure of Saint Liphard and the local monastic history.

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