Abbatiale de Saint-Riquier, Gothic abbey church in Saint-Riquier, France.
The Abbatiale de Saint-Riquier is an abbey church built in Gothic style with a striking triple-portal western facade carved with stone sculptures depicting biblical scenes. Inside, the space opens up with an intricate system of vaults and arches that rise overhead.
Construction began in 1257 under Abbot Gilles de Machemont after a fire destroyed the earlier building on the site. The project unfolded across several phases and extended well into the 17th century.
The building holds medieval wall paintings in its treasury room, including a depiction of the mortality tale 'The Three Living and The Three Dead'. These artworks reveal how people of that time thought about death and the afterlife.
The building is open to visitors who can explore the interior spaces and view the artworks in the treasury room. Plan enough time during your visit to take in both the exterior details and the complex interior architecture.
Excavations in 1989 uncovered human remains that archaeologists initially thought might belong to Nithard, a grandson of Charlemagne. Further analysis later proved these assumptions wrong.
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