Le Mans

MAISON-DIEU DE COEFFORT

It was founded in the second half of the 12^th century by Henry II Plantagenet, king of England, as a shelter and hospital for the poor. It was used as a "Hôtel-Dieu" until 1573. During the Revolution, it was used as a barn to store fodder. In 1816 the Army converted it into stables and barracks. In the early 1950s, it became a parish church. This edifice is a remarkable example of a Romanesque non-religious buiding. It consists of three naves of seven bays supported by twelve columns.

Maison-Dieu de Coëffort: Western façade and view of the central nave

Mural Paintings

They date back to the 12^th century and are real frescoes (see glossary)

Each keystone is surrounded by a medallion. In the medallions are kings and queens, young men and women as well as dragons. The medallions of the lateral vaults are adorned with vegetable patterns.

Medallions round the keystones - Capital of one of the twelve columns