St Piran'S Oratory

St Piran's Oratory is an early Christian church or oratory, believed to date from the 6th or 7th century. In the 20th century, the remaining structure was enclosed in a concrete vault, which is now buried under sand, making inspection impossible. This building is noted for its unique structural features, leading experts to suggest it may have been built over the tomb of St Piran. In 1835, when the oratory was excavated, a headless skeleton, thought to be that of the saint, was found beneath the altar. The oratory measures 29 feet in length, 16.5 feet in breadth, and has gables that rise to 19 feet. The masonry is very rudimentary and lacks mortar. The entrance is located on the south side and features a semi-circular arch, which is decorated with a carved cat's head on the keystone and a human head on each side at the spring of the arch.