Mozac

Visit Mozac, Auvergne

Mozac is a small town in the Puy-de-Dome department (in central Auvergne region), near Riom and Volvic and to the north of Clermont-Ferrand.

Above all, it is for the Abbey of Saint-Pierre that people visit Mozac, but take the time for a stroll around Mozac to see the town centre and in particular the Chateau de Portaberaud, a 17th century manor house and ornamental gardens close to the abbey.

Mozac abbey

Founded in the 7th century, the abbey at Mozac (correct name is the Abbey of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Caprais of Mozac) was for the first two centuries an important regional religious centre, before being superceded by Cluny in 1095, at which time an important church was constructed here.

Following an earthquake in the 15th century much of the 12th century roman style abbey that stood here was damaged and rebuilt. The monks remained here until the revolution, at which time the abbey church became the town church for Mozac.

The rebuilding is in the gothic style and uses the very distinctive stone that you will see widely used in church construction in the Auvergne (the stone is known as the 'pierre de volvic'), but incorporates many architectural features, such as the capital stones, that were recuperated from the rubble, while others can be seen in the adjacent museum.

It is these capital stones, featuring a wide range of ornate carvings and designs, that are the highlight of Mozac abbey, and the reason it is an unmissable destination for enthusiasts of roman art.

As a consequence of the renovations the abbey we see today is a mix of styles: the crypt and eastern entrance are pre-Roman, the north facade is in Roman style, and the cloister and transept are gothic style

Apart from the capital stones it is the crypt, that predates the roman style church, and the gilded and decorated shrine to Saint-Calmin that are highlights in the abbey. A second shrine here contains the relics of Saint Austremoine.

Mozac Abbey as a whole is a classified historic monument, and further important parts of the earlier building can be seen in the museum on site.

Suggested places to visit near Mozac, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Saturnin 24km; Orcival 28km; Montpeyroux 29km; Saint-Nectaire 33km; Aulteribe Chateau 34km; Murol 35km; Charroux 35km; Saint-Floret 36km; Chateldon 36km; Thiers 36km; Issoire 39km; Vichy 39km; Mont-Dore 39km; La Bourboule 41km; Usson 43km; Villeneuve-Lembron Chateau 45km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Mozac

Mozac tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Marsat - town of art and history (0km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac) - religious monument (5km) : Parc du château de Blanzat - remarkable garden (5km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand) - religious monument (9km) : Basilique Notre Dame du Port (Clermont-Ferrand) - religious monument (10km) : Eglise de Saint Léger (Royat) - religious monument (12km) : Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat) - religious monument (12km) : Jardins du château d'Opme - remarkable garden (16km) :

French version: see Mozac (Francais)