Montmajour Abbey, Benedictine monastery near Arles, France
Description
Montmajour Abbey is a fortified Benedictine monastery near Arles in Provence, composed of several separate buildings added over the centuries. It contains an underground crypt with tombs, a cloister, multiple chapels, a defensive tower, and residential structures from different periods.
History
The monastery was founded in the middle of the 10th century and quickly grew into one of the region's most influential centers. Its power came from extensive land ownership, which led it to be fortified multiple times to protect against raids and destruction.
Culture
The abbey served as a major pilgrimage destination in Provence, where visitors came to pray and venerate holy relics in its various sacred spaces. The layout of these rooms still reflects how deeply this place shaped the spiritual life of the region.
Practical
The abbey sits on a hilltop outside Arles, and the paths between different buildings require some walking ability. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time to explore, as the grounds are quite expansive.
Did you know?
The abbey has an unfinished church on its grounds that painter Vincent van Gogh visited during his time in Provence and captured in several sketches. This connection to the famous artist makes it special for art lovers who want to follow the places where van Gogh found inspiration.
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Abbaye de Montmajour
52 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Major d'Arles
4 km
Hypogées de Fontvieille
1.7 km
Bridge of Constantine
4 km
Église Saint-Julien d'Arles
4 km
Prieuré Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul des Mouleyrès
4 km
Porte de la Cavalerie
3.8 km
Chapelle Sainte-Croix
295 m
Castelet hypogeum
1.7 km
St Victor chapel
2.8 km
Amédée Pichot Fountain
3.8 km
Moulin Sourdon
4.1 km
Abbey Church Notre-Dame
28 m
Pont de Trinquetaille
3.8 km
Tour des Abbés
3.9 km
Hôtel Barrême de Manville
4.1 km
Maison, 33bis rue du Quatre-Septembre
4 km
École du Lau
4 km
Pont aux lions
3.7 km
Immeuble, 59 rue Condorcet
3.9 km
Statue d'un zouave
4 km
Immeuble, 2 rue Portagnel, place Voltaire, 27 rue Tardieu
4 km
Niche d'angle avec Vierge à l'Enfant, rond-point des Arènes
4.1 km
St Roch & St Victor oratory (Fontvieille)
3.2 km
Légier castle
3.6 km
Niche d'angle vide mais soutenue par un cul-de-lampe sculpté dans la pierre
3.9 km
Hôtel de Grille
4.1 km
Maison Alphonse Benoît
4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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