Prieuré de Sainte-Gauburge ), Medieval priory in Saint-Cyr-la-Rosière, France.
The Prieuré de Sainte-Gauburge is a medieval priory featuring a Gothic church, monastic buildings, and a tower with a spiral staircase dating to the 13th century. The complex extends across multiple levels that include a chapter house, sacristy, and abbot's chapel on the ground floor.
The priory was founded in the 11th century and placed under the authority of Saint-Denis Abbey around 1070. It underwent major rebuilding efforts following the Hundred Years War.
Since 1972, the priory houses the Ecomuseum of Perche, which documents the history and traditions of the region through displays and artifacts. Visitors can explore how people lived and worked in this area over centuries.
The spaces are distributed across multiple floors, and some access requires climbing stairs, so be prepared for regular stepping. Plan to spend several hours to see all areas and their displays at a comfortable pace.
The tower features a spiral staircase topped with an octagonal Gothic vault, and its doors and windows carry sculpted ornamental details. This careful stonework demonstrates the skill of medieval craftspeople who built the structure.
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