Brantôme, Medieval commune in Dordogne, France.
Brantôme is a former commune in Dordogne built on an island created by the Dronne river, with stone bridges linking its different quarters. The Benedictine Abbey, with its distinctive bell tower, dominates the settlement and its surrounding buildings cluster around this religious center.
The settlement began in 769 when Charlemagne founded the Benedictine Abbey, which quickly became an important religious center. Viking raids in 848 and 857 damaged the structures, prompting multiple reconstructions that shaped its current appearance.
The Benedictine Abbey shaped how people lived and worshipped in this settlement for centuries, becoming the heart of community life. You can see this influence in how buildings relate to the monastery, with the church tower still dominating the town's center.
Walking through the settlement is the easiest way to explore, as bridges and narrow streets are not suited for cars. The central market and nearby restaurants offer good places to rest and get a sense of daily life in the area.
Beneath the abbey lie caves with carved medieval reliefs, including a chamber with sculptures of the Last Judgment scene. These stone carvings were chiseled directly into the limestone walls by craftspeople centuries ago.
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