Prieuré de la Haie-aux-Bonshommes, Grandmontine priory in Avrillé, France.
The Prieuré de la Haie-aux-Bonshommes is a Benedictine monastery in Normandy with a 12th-century church whose apse contains a Christ statue at the vault's keystone. The complex includes the Prior's residence, gardens, and terraces that form part of the original site.
The monastery was founded between 1178 and 1182, shortly after Thomas Becket's murder, at the initiative of King Henry II of England who held lands in Anjou. This founding was part of a wave of monastic activity sparked by this major religious conflict.
The church displays 14th-century wall paintings showing biblical scenes such as Jacob's story and Adam naming the animals. These frescoes reveal the religious subjects that held meaning for the monks at that time.
The facades, Prior's house roofs, garden, and terraces are normally open to visitors during Heritage Days. It is wise to check opening dates before visiting since these events occur at specific times of the year.
A pathway leads to a small chapel along the north wall, once set aside for monks suffering from leprosy. This reveals how the medieval community sought physically separated spaces when caring for members with serious illness.
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