Notre-Dame de Bellaigue, Romanesque abbey in Virlet, France
Notre-Dame de Bellaigue is a Romanesque abbey featuring a granite church distinguished by a semicircular apse and three round-arched windows. A quadrangular bell tower rises in the north transept and anchors the structure of the religious complex.
The site began as a Benedictine priory in 950 and became a Cistercian abbey in 1137 when monks from Montpeyroux established their community here. This connection to the Cistercian order shaped the abbey's development and religious direction.
The church displays decorated glazed tiles with medieval motifs including griffins and Saint Andrew's crosses that were found during excavations. These ceramic works reflect the artistic craftsmanship that once filled this sacred space.
The abbey is located just north of Virlet and can be reached by contacting the community directly at +33 4 73 52 33 26. Visitors should check availability ahead of time since opening conditions vary with the season and the community's activities.
Following extensive renovation between 1986 and 2000, Brazilian Benedictine monks returned and rebuilt the monastic community. The international composition of the monks brings an unexpected multicultural character to the site, blending tradition with modern diversity.
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