Capital from the crypt of the abbey Sainte-Croix

Tradition indicates that the abbey Sainte-Croix of Quimperlé was founded in 1029 by Saint Gurloës thanks to a donation from the Count of Cornouaille Alain Canhiart; in reality, the foundation probably took place in the years 1040-1050. It was one of the powerful abbeys in Brittany and had many priories and other outbuildings. Placed under the commendation regime in 1553, the abbey declined somewhat, until it was taken over by the congregation of Saint-Maur in 1665. The 11th century crypt, located under the choir of the monks, remained intact after the collapse of 1862. Built on a crypt-hall plan, it has three naves and four bays and ends in an apse. 11.20 m long and 7.80 m wide, it is covered with cross vaults which fall, in the centre, on six cylindrical columns, in the east, two supports composed of four small columns engaged on a cylindrical heart, and along the walls on engaged columns. Model made by photogrammetry with 17 photos.