Hypogée des Dunes
A 7th-century Merovingian underground burial chamber with rare carved doorframes and inscriptions, open only at limited times, so check ahead.
The Hypogée des Dunes lies in the hills east of Poitiers and dates from around the 7th century AD. It was the burial chapel of Mellebaude, an abbot from the Merovingian period. The chamber preserves carved stone doorframes decorated with animal and plant motifs and Latin inscriptions, as well as stone steps and an altar. It is a precious survival for the study of early medieval art. It is usually open only in summer or during the European Heritage Days. Guided tours are managed by the Musée Sainte-Croix, so confirm the times in advance.
Opening hours
Open on specific days only
Nearby sights
- Église Sainte-Radegonde
- Poitiers Cathedral
- Baptistère Saint-Jean
- Musée Sainte-Croix
- Notre-Dame-la-Grande
- Palace of the Dukes of Aquitaine
- Place du Maréchal-Leclerc & Hôtel de Ville
- Parc de Blossac