"The site was first inhabited in the 5th century by monks who carved out troglodyte shelters along the Dronne's banks, protected by cliffs and sustained by river water for drinking and agriculture. These ancient dwellings can be explored from the abbey courtyard, including one with scenes of the Last Judgement carved into the stone, thought to date back to the Middle Ages."
"The abbey was founded in the 8th century by the Frankish king Charlemagne, who donated relics of Saint Sicarius, one of the infant boys slaughtered by Herod. This brought pilgrims and prosperity, boosted by river trade and tolls on passing boats. At the northern end of the abbey on a rocky outcrop, the Romanesque bell tower is said to be one of the oldest in France, dating from the 11th century."
Monastic settlement along the Dronne began in the 5th century, with monks carving troglodyte shelters in cliff faces for shelter, burial and agriculture. The Benedictine abbey, founded in the 8th century after Charlemagne donated relics of Saint Sicarius, drew pilgrims and prosperity through river trade and tolls. The Romanesque bell tower on a rocky outcrop dates to the 11th century and offers panoramic views. The church houses gilded panels and cloister remnants, and the abbey displays works by Fernand Desmoulin. The caves served varied roles over centuries and the site endured raids, wars and secularisation.
Read at The Good Life France
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]