Church of Sainte-Madeleine

The Sainte-Madeleine church was built in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, probably on the site of the first Romanesque sanctuary. The stained-glass window in the choir represents the shepherd Ilpidius who, according to tradition, gave his name to the village.
It should be noted that this church does not have a steeple. This is on the site of the castle. The church was located within the walls of the upper town. We can see on the south side a rectangular door which now opens into the void but which at the time was supposed to communicate with the guard path. It was a fortified church. Indeed it integrates on the south side a tower of the urban wall built at the end of the XNUMXth century. This round tower, pierced with cannon arches formed by a vertical slit and a circular hole at its base, clearly had a defensive character.
The stained-glass window in the choir, made in the 304th century, represents the shepherd Ilpidius, who according to tradition, would have given his name to the village. It is said, in fact, that in the year XNUMX, the Lord appeared to two elderly shepherds: Ilpidius and Arcontius, to reveal to them the beheading of Julien at Vieille-Brioude and order them to go and bury him. The shepherds decide to bury him in Brioude. By touching Julien's body, they regain their youth. They become guardians of his tomb. One day, Ilpidius decides to go and live as a hermit in a cave in the basalt rock in Saint-Ilpize, helping the villagers and leading an exemplary life. He will be killed by looters and his body would have been deposited to the right of that of Saint Julien.
There are also remains of wall paintings dating from the XNUMXth century in the church. They represent the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi and the Presentation in the Temple.
At the entrance of the church are enthroned two magnificent Virgins of mercy who represent Mary in prayer receiving the body of her son. One seems to date from the XNUMXth century. The other is in polychrome wood. It corresponds to a work of the XNUMXth century.
This church was classified as a historical monument in 1920.

Tips and Suggestions
Guided tours of the site including the castle, the chapel and the church are possible for groups from ten people, on request made by email to the town hall at the following address: contact@mairiest-ilpize.fr The price is €4 per person (€2 for children).

Individual visit services

• Guided individual tours on request

Group visits services

• Guided group tours on request

Guided tours for groups are possible all year round on request.
Guided tours for individuals are organized in July-August. Inquire for timetables at the town hall 09 64 37 29 74 or on the website of the town hall of St-Ilpize.

Equipments

• Parking nearby

Services

• Coach access
• Drop off on site for groups
• Guided tours