Pouilly was one of the priories established in the Forez region. Several donations of property located in Pouilly were made to the abbey of Cluny (Saône-et-Loire) during the second half of the 11th century, the earliest of them dated 966. The priory was probably founded here by Cluny towards the end of that same century. Later, in 1239, Count Guigues IV granted it further support in his will.
It was a modest priory, with agricultural activity, particularly known for its wine production. The former parish church of the settlement was dedicated to Saint-Didier, while the monks built the priory church between the 11th and 12th centuries. The first stone was laid in 1048 and it was dedicated to Saint-Pierre. By the 13th century the priory was already facing serious maintenance problems, and in the 14th century it was rebuilt, at the same time as the town was fortified. Further improvement works continued afterwards. The monks left the priory in 1715 and appointed an administrator to manage its affairs. After the Revolution, it was sold. Today, the Romanesque church and the priory building are still preserved, although greatly altered and renovated over time.
Christ Giving the Keys to Saint Peter
Photo by Havang(nl), on Wikimedia
Priory portal
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- REYNAUD, Jean-François; ed. (2002). Espaces monastiques ruraux en Rhône-Alpes. Alpara
The priory of Pouilly is located on the plain of Forez, north of Feurs