Mauriac (Cantal)

Mauriac is a city in south-central France in the department of Cantalmit 3819 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011). The city is the seat of the prefecture (French Sous- préfecture ) of the arrondissements Mauriac, which consists of six cantons, it is the capital ( chef-lieu ) of the Canton of Mauriac.

Geographical Location

Mauriac is on a western foothills of the Cantalgebirges on a basalt plateau at 700 meters above sea level.

The surroundings of Mauriac is sparsely populated. As nearest major city Clermont-Ferrand is achievable in the northeast about 106 km winding country roads. The town of Aurillac in the south is 50 road miles away, the small diocese of Tulle in the West can be reached in 80 km distance over the stopover Argentat.

Attractions

• The city offers a lovely cluster of old houses made ​​of basalt, which are grouped around the square with the church and the town hall.

Built of gray - red basalt probably from the early 12th century and probably in two stages Notre Dame des Miracles ( Holy Mother of God of Wonders) is the most important Romanesque church in the mountain region of Auvergne; it has three naves and a transept with apses. In the 19th century, was 36 m long, 13.5 m wide and built back in the nave 14.2 m high pilgrimage church in the Romanesque style; the arches are mostly pointed. The pilgrimage is a picture - after stealing replaced - black Madonna. Facilities include a Romanesque font from trachyte. The relief scenes with which it is decorated, showing, among other things, the legend of two residents of the region, who were captured in the 11th century in Spain by Arabs. They should have prayed so fervently for the patron saint of their church, that they were found prior to its portal the next morning, still tied up in their chains, asleep. Also worth seeing are the capitals; next Bible scenes, there are also geometrically shaped in " Mauriacois " style, which found frequent imitation in the area. The tympanum above the west portal shows a representation of Christ in the mandorla, the 12 apostles and Mary ( with severed heads ) and the signs of the zodiac.

• Monastère St- Pierre ( Abbey of St. Peter) with Gallo- Roman ruins and a chapter house from the 11th century.
• Museum with a collection of Gallo - Roman pottery and craft exhibitions on topics such as cheese-making and leather craft.