Andlau Abbey, Benedictine nunnery in Andlau, France
Andlau Abbey is a former Benedictine nunnery located in a small French village. The building combines architectural elements from different periods, from the 11th-century crypt to the restructured church, and now serves as the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul.
An empress named Richardis founded the monastery in 880 on her family lands and established it as a women's college. The place evolved over centuries and received major reconstructions during and after the Reformation.
The church displays sculptural works and houses the tomb of Saint Richardis in a chapel. Visitors can sense the religious meaning of this place through the artistic details and sacred objects preserved here for centuries.
The building is now a parish church with open access for visitors who wish to explore the interior. Plan time for a quiet visit to observe the architectural details and sculptural elements.
A depression in the crypt floor relates to a legend in which a bear reportedly showed Richardis the sacred site. This story remains part of local tradition and shapes how people understand the place today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
