Pierre de Montreuil facts for kids
Pierre de Montreuil was a very important French architect. He lived a long time ago, in the 1200s. He passed away on March 17, 1267. For a while, people called him Peter of Montereau. But this was a mistake! His tombstone said he was "born in Musterolo." People thought this meant Montereau, but it actually meant Montreuil. So, his real name was Pierre de Montreuil.
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What Pierre de Montreuil Built
Pierre de Montreuil was one of the first architects in Paris whose name we know from the 1200s. Many people think he played a huge role in building some famous places.
Buildings We Know He Designed
We are sure that Pierre de Montreuil designed two parts of the old abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. These were:
- The refectory (dining hall), built between 1239 and 1244. Sadly, this building was later destroyed.
- The chapel of the Virgin, built from 1245 to about 1250. Only small pieces of this chapel remain today.
His Work on Famous Churches
Pierre de Montreuil is also believed to have worked on two other very famous buildings:
- The Basilique Saint-Denis: He might have started working here around 1247. We don't know exactly what he built there.
- Notre-Dame de Paris: Most people agree that he finished the south side of the church's transept (the part that crosses the main hall) in the 1260s. He took over this work after another architect, Jean de Chelles, passed away.
Other Buildings Attributed to Him
Many other beautiful buildings have been linked to Pierre de Montreuil. However, we don't have clear proof that he designed all of them.
The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris
For a long time, people thought Pierre de Montreuil designed the amazing Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. This chapel is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows. But now, experts think he probably didn't design it. Other architects like Robert de Luzarches or Thomas de Cormont might have been the true designers.
Other Possible Projects
- The Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes: This chapel, similar to the one in Paris, has also been linked to him. We don't know when it started being built.
- The Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs: The dining hall of this priory in Paris (which is now a library) was also thought to be his work. But the style of its windows seems older than when he was active.
- The Chapelle Saint-Louis: This chapel, built between 1230 and 1238 at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, is another building many people believe Montreuil designed.
Pierre de Montreuil's Important Status
Pierre de Montreuil was a highly respected and successful architect.
An Expert in His Field
In 1260, King Louis IX even hired Montreuil to check on a house that was part of a disagreement. This shows how much people trusted his knowledge. Pierre de Montreuil also owned a quarry, which is a place where building materials like stone are dug out. He was often asked for his expert opinion on building projects.
Wealth and Recognition
Because he was so good at his job, Pierre de Montreuil became quite wealthy. He owned several properties. He and his wife were buried together in a special chapel he built at a famous monastery. His tombstone even called him "doctor lathomorum" which means "teacher of masons" or "Doctor of Masons." This title shows how important and respected he was in his time. Sadly, this chapel and the dining hall at Saint-Germain-des-Prés were torn down in 1794.
His Architect Family
Pierre de Montreuil came from a family of architects in Montreuil. It seems like being an architect ran in the family!
Raoul de Montreuil, who paid for Pierre's wife Agnes to be buried in 1276, was probably Pierre's son. Another family member, Eudes de Montreuil, might have been Pierre's son or brother. Both Raoul and Eudes were in charge of royal building projects later in the 1200s.
