NEW in v1.0: added the Montgolfiades de Rocamadour as an optional mod

Rocamadour is a commune in the Lot department in Southwestern France. It lies in the former province of Quercy.

Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from many countries, among them kings, bishops, and nobles.

The town below the complex of monastic buildings and pilgrimage churches, traditionally dependent on the pilgrimage site and now on the tourist trade, lies near the river on the lowest slopes; it gives its name to Rocamadour, a small goat's-milk cheese that was awarded AOC status in 1996.

The three levels of the village of Rocamadour date from the Middle Ages, and they reflect the three orders of society: the knights above, linked to religious clerics in the middle and the lay workers down near the river.

Rare documents mention that in 1105 a small chapel was built in a shelter of the cliff at a place called Rupis Amatoris, at the limit of the territories of the Benedictine abbeys of Saint-Martin at Tulle and Saint-Pierre at Marcilhac-sur-Célé.

In 1112, Eble de Turenne, Abbot of Tulle settled in Rocamadour. In 1119, the first donation was made by Eudes, Comte de la Marche. In 1148, a first miracle was announced. The pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary attracted crowds. The statue of the Black Madonna is dated from the 12th century. Géraud d'Escorailles, abbot from 1152 to 1188, built the religious buildings, financed by donations from visitors. The works were finished at the end of the 12th century.

Rocamadour already enjoyed European fame as evidenced by the 12th century book Livre des Miracles written by a monk from the sanctuary and received many pilgrims. In 1159, Henry II of England, husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine came to Rocamadour to thank the Virgin for her healing.

In 1166, wanting to bury a resident, they discovered an intact body, presented as that of Saint Amadour. Rocamadour had found its saint. At least four stories, more or less tinged with legend, presented Saint Amadour as a personage close to Jesus.

In 1211, the pontifical legate during the Albigensian Crusade, Arnaud Amalric, came to spend the winter in Rocamadour. In addition, in 1291, Pope Nicholas IV granted three bulls and forty day indulgences for site visitors. The end of the 13th century saw the height of Rocamadour's influence and the completion of the constructions. The castle was protected by three towers, a wide moat and numerous lookouts.

In 1317, the monks left Rocamadour. The site was then administered by a chapter of canons appointed by the bishop. In the fourteenth century, a cooling climate, famines, epidemics like the black plague ravaged Europe.

In 1427, reconstruction was started, but without financial or human resources. A huge rock crushed the Notre-Dame chapel which was rebuilt in 1479 by Denys de Bar, Bishop of Tulle.

Subsequently, during the French Wars of Religion, the iconoclastic passage of Protestant mercenaries in 1562 caused the destruction of religious buildings and their relics. The relics were desecrated and destroyed, including the body of Saint Amadour. 

The site was again looted during the French Revolution.

At the beginning of 19th century, the shrines of Rocamadour were in a state of significant disrepair with trees growing in the Grand Staircase. At the beginning of 1855, Jean-Jacques Bardou, Bishop of Cahors , had the idea of ​​launching a large lottery to raise funds for the reconstruction. The works started in 1858 and concerned the whole religious city and the castle. They were mostly completed in 1872.
The city is nowadays one of the most visited in France with approximately 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts several religious and cultural events.

NEW in v1.0: The Montgolfiades de Rocamadour are an annual event that usually takes place during the last week end of september. During this period, dozens of hot air balloons fly above the Alzou canyon, offering a unique point of view on the scenery. Due to the pandemic condition, the 2021 edition of the event was cancelled. 

The Montgolfiades come as an independant optional mod that can be removed from the community folder if you prefer to enjoy the landmark without the hot air balloons.

The site and castle have been recreated manually from various photos and videos from the internet. The come with their own lights and POI.

This mod is not intended for sale or resale.

 

Complementary mods:

-Pont Valentré: https://flightsim.to/file/6295/pont-valentre-cahors

-Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenoux: https://flightsim.to/file/5275/chateau-de-castelnau-bretenoux

-Tours de Saint-Laurent: https://flightsim.to/file/8934/tours-de-saint-laurent

-Ruines de Taillefer: https://flightsim.to/file/7542/ruines-de-taillefer

-Château de Turenne: https://flightsim.to/file/10039/chateau-de-turenne

-Château de la Treyne: https://flightsim.to/file/5688/chateau-de-la-treyne

-55 castles in Dordogne by laudey1: https://flightsim.to/file/2443/55-castles-in-french-dordogne

-Souillac landmarks: https://flightsim.to/file/7677/souillac-abbatiale-viaducs-and-other-landmarks

-Sarlat: cathedral, viaduct and nearby castles: https://flightsim.to/file/10762/sarlat-cathedral-viaduct-and-nearby-castles

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Rocamadour

Explore the historical commune of Rocamadour in Southwestern France with this mod, featuring a recreation of its iconic landmarks and sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also included is an optional mod showcasing the Montgolfiades de Rocamadour event, offering a unique hot air balloon experience above the Alzou canyon. Immerse yourself in the medieval architecture and rich history of Rocamadour, one of the most visited sites in France, with added lights and points of interest for an authentic virtual journey.

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