Lanterne des morts, Fontevraud

The lanterne des morts in the village of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye emerges as a thin octagonal tower from the centre of a funerary chapel that was once in the middle of cemetery. It is topped by a lantern which was lit when someone died, and every evening to light the small medieval cemetery that surrounded the chapel.

It has been privately owned since the end of the 18th century and can be found near to the parish church, outside the famous Abbey. The chapel was built in the first quarter of the 13th century, from grey limestone, having been commissioned by Alix de Bourbon, the Abbess of Fontevraud.

The property is not open to the public.