Grande-Sauve Abbey, Romanesque abbey in La Sauve, France.
The abbey exhibits tall stone columns, detailed capitals, and intricate carvings throughout its remaining walls and archways on a hilltop location.
Founded in 1079 by Gerald of Sauve-Majeure, the monastery grew to control 51 priories and became a central point on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
The sculptural decorations of the abbey display religious scenes, mythological creatures, and narrative sequences that reflect medieval artistic traditions.
The monument opens daily except on January 1, May 1, and December 25, with guided tours available in French and English for 7.50 euros per person.
After serving as a monastery, prison, school, and military hospital through centuries, the ruins now stand as a testament to architectural evolution.
Location: La Sauve
Inception: 11 century
Founders: Gerald of Sauve-Majeure
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
Website: http://www.abbaye-la-sauve-majeure.fr/
Part of: Way of Saint James UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France
Website: http://abbaye-la-sauve-majeure.fr
GPS coordinates: 44.76868,-0.31178
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:41
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