Abbey of Saint-Georges, Rennes, Benedictine abbey in Rennes, France
The Abbey of Saint-Georges is a Benedictine monastery in Rennes featuring a long gallery with nineteen two-story windows supported by granite arches. Pavilions at both ends complete the architectural composition.
Duke Alain III of Brittany founded the abbey in 1032 and appointed his sister Adele as its first abbess. The monastery remained an important religious institution until the French Revolution.
The building displays sculpted coats of arms on its pediment, along with carvings representing justice and peace. These artistic elements reflect the religious and social values that defined the institution in medieval times.
The former monastery now houses Rennes fire services and administrative offices. The building complex is visible from outside and gives a good sense of the original structure and scale.
Forty-six noble abbesses led the institution over the centuries until 1792, when Julie Barreau de Girac became the last. The long line of female leadership makes this place stand out in medieval church history.
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