A medieval citadel built on the slopes of a cliff, Rocamadour is a veritable gem surrounded by greenery. It was built and maintained around a legend dating back from the year 1000 AD. On a visit to the village, I had the opportunity to learn more.
A medieval citadel built on the slopes of a cliff, Rocamadour is a veritable gem surrounded by greenery. It was built and maintained around a legend dating back from the year 1000 AD. On a visit to the village, I had the opportunity to learn more.
Overlooking the valley with its majestic air, Rocamadour offers visitors an architectural prowess. Situated in the Dordogne Valley, the houses are overlooked by a large castle where the Alzou river meanders 150 metres below. A true place of pilgrimage since the 12th century and a passage on the way to Santiago de Compostela, the Black Madonna and the Tomb of Saint-Amadour are venerated here. But for what reasons? A legend tells that Zaccheus came here to retreat and lived in a cave. Feeling lonely, the hermit carved a statue of the Virgin Mary in a single tree trunk. It measures 70 cm and is made from oak or walnut wood.
Jesus Christ went to Jerusalem passing through Jericho. Not being very tall, Zacheus sought by all means to see him. He climbed a tree and was summoned down by Jesus himself at the foot of a sycamore tree. Jesus said to him, "Come down quickly. Today, I must go and stay in your house". Out of Joy, Zaccheus said, "Lord, that is it. I will give the poor half of my wealth and if I have harmed anyone, I will give them four times more". Zaccheus was married to Veronica, who was ill. Jesus healed her. As a result of this feat, the spouses became the fervent disciples of Jesus. Veronica was one of the women who followed Christ to his crucifixion and wiped the sweat from his face.Years later, Zaccheus and Veronica are taken prisoner for their beliefs. She died in Bordeaux and became Saint Veronica and Zacheus died on the rock of Rocamadour where he built a shrine to the Virgin.
However, there are no historical records to substantiate this hypothesis. It is said that a hermit did actually live in a cave here, but his identity was never discovered. In your opinion, was Zaccheus Saint-Amadour?
From this legend follows the formation over the years of Rocamadour. A small sanctuary had been built and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In 1166, the intact body of Saint-Amadour was found and sanctified and the sculpture of the Black Virgin was found. Moreover, several miracles are credited to this place.
As the years go by and the site gets bigger. Seven chapels are added and today make up the medieval city. To access it, there are "only" 216 steps to climb, and for the most fervent, on their knees. Traders flock from all sides, as well as inhabitants. Houses were built on several levels, and each quarter was enclosed by a fortified door. Finally, the castle was built on the heights of the city, projecting its shadow on the visitors.
From day to night, Rocamadour reveals a different face. Admire the village from afar, and you will see that it is carved into three levels. On the first level, restaurants and houses. The second is the grouping of the chapels and the basilica. And to finish off your day, you can visit on the third level, the remains of the fort and the ramparts, while having a direct view over the Alzou river.
At night, Rocamadour reveals itself differently. Imagine walking at nightfall, a light breeze in the air, crossing the maze of stone paths, passing through the illuminated sanctuaries and the groups of pilgrims passing through, on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A peaceful walk, far from the busy souvenir shops and restaurants that are now closed and the numerous tourists who are probably already asleep.
The sacred city of Rocamadour has not finished to amaze you, by the beauty of the region and by the architecture and vestiges of the city. A must-see among all the wonders of the region: the Gouffre de Padirac, this natural cavity and its 55 km long underground river.
It's not surprising that the site is one of the most visited in France, along with the Eiffel Tower and Mont-Saint-Michel.
Find out more about Rocamadour
Where to stay? The guest house Les Pirondeaux located in the heart of the historic city or, if you are more adventurous, one of the many campsites around the site.
Where to go out? At Le Troubadour restaurant to savor the selection of regional products and in particular the famous goat cheese with whole raw milk, Rocamadour.
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Discover without further delay other magnificent natural sites:
- The Green Venice of the Marais Poitevin
- The biggest tides in Europe at Mont Saint Michel
- The Hortillonnages of Amiens
Aphélie from Comme des Français
