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Charlieu Abbey

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Charlieu Abbey

Charlieu Abbey, Benedictine abbey in Charlieu, France.

Description

Charlieu Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in France built from yellow stone with Romanesque elements throughout its structure. The northern and western entrances feature detailed carved decorations that showcase the craftsmanship of the medieval period.

History

The monastery was founded in 872 and quickly became an important religious center in the region. It later received relics of Saint Stephen, which greatly increased its status and importance.

Culture

The main entrance displays carved biblical scenes including the Wedding at Cana and visions of the Apocalypse. These stone carvings once served as a visual story for those who could not read.

Practical

The site includes a medicinal garden with information boards that explain the plants grown there. Walking through the garden helps visitors understand which herbs and plants were used in monastic times.

Did you know?

An exact replica of the monastery's 12th-century entrance stands in the Architecture and Heritage Center in Paris. This copy shows how significant the original building was for French architectural history.

Location
Architectural style
Romanesque architecture
Address
1 All. de l'Abbaye, 42190 Charlieu, France
Opening Hours
Monday 14:00-18:00; Wednesday-Sunday 14:00-18:00
Phone
GPS coordinates
46.15780,4.16860
Latest update
December 6, 2025 17:41

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Charlieu).

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« Charlieu Abbey - Benedictine abbey in Charlieu, France » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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