Abbaye de Sainte-Catherine du Mont de Semnoz, Medieval abbey ruins on Semnoz mountain, Annecy, France.
The remains of Sainte-Catherine abbey stand in a secluded valley at 630 meters altitude, surrounded by dense forest and mountain slopes.
Founded between 1179 and 1228 by Marguerite de Genève, the monastery operated until 1772 when its occupants relocated to the city center of Annecy.
The site was selected due to its topographical similarities with Mount Sinai, reflecting the medieval religious connection to sacred mountain locations.
Visitors can access the ruins through a marked trail from the Vovray parking area, involving a 320-meter elevation gain over a three-hour hike.
The abbey materials were repurposed after its closure, with some stones used to reconstruct the bell tower of Saint-Maurice church in Annecy.
Location: Annecy
GPS coordinates: 45.87080,6.11252
Latest update: March 19, 2025 21:57
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