Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

What specific mysterious inscriptions and symbols are in the church?

The church contains several enigmatic elements: Latin inscription at the entrance - * Terribilis est locus iste* - "Terrible is this place" (Genesis 28:17). Above the entrance sits a grotesque demon called *Asmodée* (a demon of lusts and secrets from the Book of Tobit). On a column inside is the enigmatic inscription *A tout vaincre* (Defeat All) along with…

Where did the money for the elaborate renovations of the church come from?

This is the central puzzle of Rennes-le-Château! As a pastor, Saunière officially earned 900 francs a year. Nevertheless, he spent an estimated *1-2 million gold francs* between 1885-1917 – a fortune he could never satisfactorily explain. Retention of a rich Belgian woman? Donations from believers? or Hidden documents of a hidden treasure or Cathar or Templar treasure?

What is the "Pilier of Wisigoth" (Visigothic column)?

The Visigothic column is a hollow column to the right of the altar, which supposedly dates from the time of the Visigoths (5th -8th century). The column is about 2 meters high and has a diameter of about 60 cm. The discovery in 1891: Saunière is said to have discovered a hiding place in this column during renovation work. According to legend, he found: parchments, metal tubes (which the parchments...

What is the connection between the Church and the Holy Grail / Mary Magdalene?

The connection is complex and became popular through various books and theories: Mary Magdalene as patron saint: The dedication to Mary Magdalene is unusual for a small village church in the 11th century. Mary Magdalene was not as prominent as other saints in the Middle Ages. The Theory of the Holy Grail: Through popular books such as *The Holy Grail and its Heirs* (1982) and…