La Madeleine

This site, buried deep in the forests of the Perigord region, is named for Mary Magdalene and is an astonishing layered monument of history. The bottom level of the site is comprised of Neolithic caves, repository of artifacts from the heights of the Cro Magnon civilization. The middle layer- shown here- was a troglodyte village which was inhabited until the high middle ages. The presence of  weaver's workshop and  the subsequent disappearance of the community in the 13th century lead me to believe that it was in fact a community of Cathars, as they were known for earning their living by weaving and spinning, and their fervent devotion to Mary Magdalene. 

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The chapel dates from the 9th century (though the site may have been a place of religious worship considerably earlier).

The cult of the Magdalene was revived here by the aristocracy who bought the land- they rededicated this chapel to Mary Magdalene in the 17th century and opened the tiny church to the community.

I dream of leading services here once again.

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The back view. The chapel is to the right and the remains of the living quarters to the left.  Down below is the Vezere river, meandering through lush green valleys of vineyards and woods.

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One of the most beautiful statues I know of Mary Magdalene-utterly stunning in its simplicity.

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