Carolingian oratory of Germigny-des-Prés

A rare and precious example of Carolingian art, the Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés was built by Theodulf, one of the great minds of his time. A brilliant scholar, a poet steeped in classical culture, and a theologian of great merit, he was part of Charlemagne's learned circle. He obtained the bishopric of Orléans and was abbot of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. [caption id="attachment_20700" align="alignnone" width="300"] Exterior view of the Oratory [/caption] It was restored in the mid-19th century and welcomes thousands of visitors every year. This Oratory, transformed into a parish church in the 13th century, possesses the only Carolingian mosaic in France and is considered one of the oldest churches in the country. This gold-ground mosaic, composed of 130,000 tesserae, which adorns the apse's semi-dome, is a true masterpiece. It depicts the Ark of the Covenant, surmounted by two cherubs, framed by two archangels between whom appears the hand of God.