La lanterne des morts
The jewel in Saint Pierre's crown is the admirably preserved Lantern of the Dead. It's a beautiful Gothic obelisk, 20 meters high, located on the site of the former parish cemetery.
Historic site and monument
Dates & opening times
Open
all days from 01/01
to 31/12
(all years)
Descriptif
Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron's lantern of the dead is the tallest funerary column in France, and has dominated the historic quarter since the 12th century!
An interior spiral staircase (not accessible to the public) once led up to the hearth of the lantern, where a fire was periodically lit in memory of the dead.
The flame, symbolizing the eternity of the soul, chased away dark spirits and kept alive the memory of the departed.
The lantern of the dead was listed as a historic monument in 1886.
Restored in 1906 under the direction of architect Ballu, it was again restored in 1995.
Characteristics
Utilities
Parking nearby
Services
Pets welcome
Languages
French
Animals welcome
Yes
Surroundings
Town location
In the historic centre
Visits
Services for individual visits
Unguided individual tours available permanently
Themes
Religious heritage
Religious site
Categories
Classified
Gothic
12th C
Charges
Gratuit