Monastère de la Sainte-Baume, Dominican monastery near Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, France.
The monastery sits at 2,300 feet (700 meters) elevation facing a dramatic rocky cliff and ancient forest in Provence. The buildings spread across multiple levels, combining residential quarters, chapels, and pilgrim accommodations.
The Dominican order took responsibility for this pilgrimage site in the 13th century. Their presence faced several interruptions over the centuries, but the community remains rooted there today.
The site has drawn pilgrims for centuries seeking spiritual meaning in this landscape. Daily rhythms of communal prayer shape how the place functions and how visitors experience the grounds.
The accommodation has 180 beds and several rooms designed for visitors with limited mobility. A restaurant on the grounds serves home-style meals, so guests can eat without leaving the property.
The location connects to the story of Mary Magdalene, who according to local tradition sought refuge in this area. Visitors today walk paths that tie into this oldest narrative of the place.
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