Saint-Benin-d'Azy

Saint- Benin - d'Azy is a commune with 1302 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Nièvre in the Burgundy region. It belongs administratively to the district Nevers and is the capital of the eponymous canton of Saint- Benin - d'Azy.

Geography

The municipality is located in the countryside Amognes, in the western foothills of the Morvan mountain range, about 20 kilometers east of Nevers. The town itself is situated on the left bank of the river Ixeure. Neighboring municipalities of Saint- Benin - d'Azy are:

  • Saint- Firmin in the north,
  • Billy - Chevannes in the east,
  • Cizely, Anlezy, Ville- Langy, Beaumont - Sardolles in the southeast,
  • Limon in the south,
  • La Fermeté in the southwest and
  • Saint -Jean- aux- Amognes in the West.

History

The former name of this original Gallo-Roman settlement was Azy -sur- Ixeure, then Azy -aux- Amognes, where the name part Azy is derived from the Roman General Azyus, is said to have commanded a Roman camp in the area. After establishing its own parish, the name of the Holy Benignus was added to the place name, which has rendered outstanding services to the evangelization of Burgundy. In the 13th century, the lords of Asnois built fortifications in the first place, thereby ensuring their fiefs. Louis XV. raised his reign finally to Marquisat.

Demographics

Economy

In the 18th and 19th century an intense iron production was operated in the area. In many small hammer mills the mined iron ore was smelted in the area and forged. With the advent of industrialization, the production was no longer profitable and was discontinued. The population lives mainly on agriculture, the breeding of Charolais cattle is particularly noteworthy. But here already viticulture has also always operated, but today, this concerns only country wine of lesser quality, which is produced as a sideline or for their own consumption.

Attractions

  • Château d' Azy from the 19th century ( Monument historique )
  • Château Vieil Azy from the 18th century (remains from the 14th century )
  • Manor House Manoir de Valotte from the 15th to 16th century

Personalities

  • Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899), French animal painter, who has operated here in their initial term animal studies. According to her, a park is named in place.
  • Jean Fourastié (1907-1990), French economist who was born in the town.
Arrondissement Arrondissement of Nevers Cantons of France Postal codes in France France Benignus of Dijon
700937
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