Eglise et crypte Saint-Aré

The parish church of Decize is dedicated to Saint-Aré, bishop of Nevers (548 - 558) who wished at the time of his death to be deposited in a boat and buried where it would stop. According to the legend, the boat went up the river to Decize, where the Saint is buried.
The crypt of the church was built around a cave and perhaps a Gallo-Roman building. A miraculous statue, called Notre Dame de Sous Terre, was venerated there for a long time. The church was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. From this period, only the choir and the apses remain (you can walk around the church). The church has been constantly modified. In 1842 the walls of the castle which overhung the church collapsed, taking with them the nave, several chapels and part of the transept. Outside the church, see the north portal and the capitals. The church is open every day. The crypt is closed to the public. You can visit the church and the crypt during a guided tour in July and August for individuals and all year round by appointment for groups