The Abbey Church was built by Benedictines, in the 8th century, on an existing older religious site. The church has an unusual and unique underground alter. During the 15th century, the Church was rebuilt on its original Romanesque bases, in a Gothic style. The bell-tower was erected in 1509 and had 8 bells.
In the 9th century, the village of Cessero changed it's name to Saint Thibéry in honour of its patron saint: Tiberius was born in 293, son of the Roman Governor of Agde, converted at the age of 10 to the new Christian religion under the influence of his tutor Modeste. Persecuted, martyred, he is put to death in a small wood at the edge of the Hérault, along with Modest and Florence. They would be buried on the spot.
Pilgrimage...
The church has the Relics of these three Martyrs: St Thibérius, St Modeste and St Florence. Many pilgrims have visited to pray to these Saints and some believe that the relics of St Thibérius have special healing powers.
Chemin de Compostelle - The Way of St James...
St Thibery is on the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage route. Santiago city has its origin in the shrine of Saint James the Great, now the city's cathedral, as destination of the Way of St. James, a leading Catholic pilgrimage route originated in the 9th century.
Over 100,000 pilgrims travel to Santiago each year from points all over Europe and other parts of the world. A visit to the church at St Thibery has been a part of the pilgrimage for many walking from Arles and Montpellier before going on to Narbonne and Carcassonne etc and finally reaching Santiago in Spain. The Scallop Shell, emblem of St James, is often worn by pilgrims and is used in signs to guide the way. The Route to Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From 1 July to 31 August, every Thursday the St Thibery historical association offers guided tours of the Abbey Church. Meet at the Church between 17 h and 19 h.