Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, Mont St Michel is a testament to the ingenuity of man inspired by God. The Archangel Michael, who had defeated Satan in the war in heaven, appeared in a dream and instructed Aubert to build an oratory on the rocky island at the mouth of the Couesnon river. And come they did—pilgrims from all Christendom, and today, tourists from all corners of the world.
Such was the difficulty of the journey that it became a test of penitence, sacrifice, and commitment to God to reach the Benedictine abbey. Chosen by Richard II, Duke of Normandy, the Italian architect, William of Volpiano, designed the Romanesque church of the abbey, daringly placing the transept crossing at the top of the mount.
Many underground crypts and chapels had to be built to compensate for this weight, forming the foundation for the supportive upward structure that we see today. Standing separate, not linking the abbey buildings, the cloister is a place to meditate, with the fragrance of herbs, flowers, and the sea filling the air.
When the abbey was secularised in the 19th century, the church became the focus of the pilgrimages to Mont Saint-Michel. Besieging the Mont in —24, and then again in —34, the English forces under the command of Thomas de Scales, 7th Baron Scales abandoned two wrought-iron bombards cannon when he gave up his siege.
That girl was Joan of Arc, and so inspired was she at the story of resistance at Mont St Michel, she would help recapture France from the English.
In , the monastery of Mont Saint-Michel gave its support to William the Conqueror in his claim to the throne of England. With its popularity and prestige as a center of pilgrimage waning during the Reformation, by the time of the French Revolution, there were very few monks in residence. Closed in , the abbey was converted into a prison, initially holding clerical opponents of the republican regime—up to priests at one point. After a series of high profile political prisoners were held at Mont Saint-Michel, influential figures, including Victor Hugo, launched a campaign to restore what they felt was a national architectural treasure.
Closing the prison in , Napoleon III ordered the prisoners to be transferred to other facilities. Connected to the mainland by a modern causeway built in , the tide poses dangers for visitors who choose to walk across the sands—threatened by a tide that is said to travel at the speed of a galloping horse.
Polderisation and occasional flooding have created salt marsh meadows that are ideally suited to grazing sheep. In , a small community of Benedictine monks was established at the Abbey, who were replaced in by the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. Mont-Saint-Michel was one of the first French cultural properties to be listed. Then in , the site was also listed as a "Pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, in France". This double recognition is evidence of the universal outstanding value of this monument.
The thirteen centuries of history and the island location of the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey are a constant challenge in terms of conservation and restoration.
In addition to the permanent upkeep needed for a site that receives so many visitors and is so exposed to the elements, the Centre des monuments nationaux carries out large-scale restoration campaigns , in which over 20 million euros have been invested since The Abbey therefore undergoes continuous building work, led by the Chief Architect of Historical Monuments.
Every year, the many cultural events organised by the Centre des monuments nationaux help to increase the number of visitors in a monument whose conditions of access have been totally redesigned, in the chaplaincy and cellar. By pursuing your navigation browsing on this site, you accept the use of cookies.
Go to the menu Go to content Go to the toolbox Go to bottom of page. Cliquez ici pour fermer la popup The presentation of a health pass will be mandatory to access the monument for anyone older than 12 years old and two months. History of the monument The architecture of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is evidence of the mastery and expertise of several generations of builders.
Abbey and fortress Positioned on the border between Normandy and Brittany, Mont-Saint-Michel was both a place of passage and a fortress for the Duchy of Normandy. The abbey since the revolution Following the Revolution, the property of the Church was declared "national property", the monks of Mont-Saint-Michel were driven away and the "Mont Libre" became a prison for refractory priests in There is a church on the island today, dedicated to Saint Peter, and it is thought that this lies on the site of one of these sanctuaries.
But which one is it? That is just another mystery of Mont Saint Michel! There are many Christian traditions associated with the island and the monastery, but all of them likely have ties to paganism and folklore that has existed on Mont Saint Michel for millennia.
The mysteries of Mont Saint Michel are fascinating, and if you want to take a break from sightseeing in Paris then it is absolutely worth visiting this incredible place where history and nature collide. If you happen to visit Paris in the summer and take a day trip over to the island, the weather is likely to be absolutely perfect for you.
With tours in Paris and beyond, you can truly learn so much when visiting France! Opening Hours may vary. However, Customer Service is always available at the hours detailed under "Opening Hours" section. A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever. With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.
Perfect for day trip from Paris , Mont Saint Michel is a complete and utter wonder - read on to find out five mysteries that make it so special… 1. Why was the monastery built? When was the underground chapel built? Who owns Mont Saint Michel now? Who is buried beneath the cloister? Ellen Curtin. Get in Touch. Phone Number.
0コメント