Elie Bot (1861-1947)
Elie Bot was a local limonadier (soda-maker), mason and builder, from Luc-sur-Aude where he was also the mayor. He knew Saunière very well. It was Bot who did all the major building work for the priest including the renovations of the church, the Tour Magdala and the Villa Bethania. He was also a guest during some of Saunière’s lavish parties in the Villa Bethania. It is hard to think that he knew nothing of the priest’s secret. Bot is buried in a big tomb he built for himself and his family that he decorated in the same fashion as Saunière’s church.
