Abbaye de Saint-Sever

Abbaye de Saint-Sever is a Benedictine monastery in Noues de Sienne with a Gothic church built from local granite. The complex features five lancet windows illuminating the choir area, with additional buildings organized around a cloister courtyard.

Richard Goz, Viscount of Avranches, and his son Hugh founded the monastery in 1050, linking it to English priories following the Norman Conquest. This founding connected the site to Norman and English religious networks.

The abbey church displays 13th-century stained glass windows depicting scenes from Christ's life and Saint Sever, Bishop of Avranches. These religious artworks shape the interior and tell biblical stories to visitors.

The western wing now houses the town hall, while the north and south wings serve as educational and administrative offices. Visitors should note that only certain areas remain open to the public.

During the French Revolution in 1791, the abbey grounds were transformed into a saltpeter and cloth manufacturing facility. This industrial use left marks that remain visible in the complex's structure today.

Location: Noues de Sienne

GPS coordinates: 48.84056,-1.04722

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23