The origins of the abbey lie in the graveyard outside the original Roman settlement of Augustoritum. This is the site of the Place de la République, at the commercial heart of modern Limoges. The cemetery was the reputed burial place of early Christian martyrs, including Saint Martial, the first bishop of Limoges.
The abbey's foundation is linked to a graveyard outside the Roman settlement of Augustoritum, which is now the commercial center of modern-day Limoges. This cemetery was believed to be the burial site of early Christian martyrs, including Saint Martial, the first bishop of Limoges.