Saint-Avit-Sénieur is a commune in the Dordogne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. It is located in the historic region of Périgord.
The commune is primarily known for its former Benedictine abbey church, which is a significant example of Romanesque architecture. The abbey was founded in the 11th century and dedicated to Saint Avitus (Saint Avit), a hermit who lived in the region in the 5th or 6th century.
The Abbey of Saint-Avit-Sénieur holds significant historical and cultural importance, particularly as a major stopping point on the Via Lemovicensis, one of the principal pilgrimage routes in France leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Because of its role in the pilgrimage, the abbey church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 as part of the "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France" inscription.
The abbey experienced periods of prosperity and decline, including damage during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. Despite these challenges, much of its original structure, particularly the impressive church, has been preserved or restored. Today, it remains a testament to medieval religious architecture and the enduring legacy of the pilgrimage to Santiago.