Abbaye Sainte-Odile de Baume-les-Dames, Benedictine abbey in Baume-les-Dames, France.
Abbaye Sainte-Odile de Baume-les-Dames is a Benedictine monastery in Burgundy featuring an 18th-century church with marble columns and gilded interior decoration. The building has been converted into a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and performances throughout the year.
The monastery was established in the 4th century and underwent major rebuilding in the 18th century under Abbess d'Amas. This renovation campaign gave the complex its present-day baroque appearance.
The abbey served for centuries as a refuge and center of learning for women from prominent regional families. Visitors can see today how the architecture and interior appointments reflected the social standing of those who lived here.
The monastery is open for guided tours during summer months and by arrangement for group visits. Plan ahead if you want a guided tour, as access involves stairs and the interior layout can be complex to navigate alone.
The crypt beneath the abbey contains ancient remains that predate the site's documented history. Local tradition connects the location to Saint Odile, who according to legend recovered her sight at this place.
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