The great square of Place de la République was once an important religious site. In the late 9th Century a large abbey called St. Martial was founded there and served for many centuries as a significant place of worship. There is little remaining of the original building beyond an outline drawn around the square and the charming Crypt of the abbey. This crypt is open to the public and is home to the first bishop of the city who himself, aided by a few loyal followers, converted the Roman town to Christianity.
