In 2009, one of the wonders of the Middle Ages was unveiled in France: the sumptuous frescoes of Lignières-de-Touraine are once again visible. Virtually intact, they form almost 70 m² worth of paintings for viewing by the public.
But understanding what they mean is no easy
task. The messages they contain read on several
levels and are filled with codes and symbols that we need to try
and decipher. For their purpose is to instruct us, move us and get
us thinking: in a nutshell, to help us "grow up".
They are not intended solely for Christians, who will find
something in them to deepen their faith,
but for all of us, giving us food for thought on Man and the
universe.
The wealth of messages and of
symbolic significations is such that you'll leave with something
each time you visit. After a general presentation of the various
parts of decoration, we will talk calendar, the labours of the
months, geometry, arithmetic, of salvation and damnation, of world
movement, of Man's place in the universe and of his internal
battles…
These tours will endeavour to give us a few clues to cracking
the code of these messages and for thinking about and discussing
these. Your guide will be Patrick Bordeaux, a historian at the
Centre Intercommunal d'Histoire et du Patrimoine du nord-ouest
Tourangeau, of the Revivance association.
November:
- Sunday 8
- Saturday 14
- Thursday 19
- Sunday 22
- Saturday 28
December:
Meet at 3pm on the square in front of the Mairie (Town
Hall).
Tours should last between one and one-and-a-half
hours.
Rates: €5; free for under 15s.
Contact:
Office de Tourisme du Pays d'Azay-le-Rideau: +33 (0)2 47 45
44 40
Or if you can't get through, try: +33 (0)6 76 08 53 75