Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France, second only to the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
Besides its unique architectural features and scenery, this place also boasts a rich history and culture, recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is located on top of a small island in the Bay of Saint-Malo, in northwestern France, 350km from the capital Paris.
The castle's origins are linked to a legend. According to legend, the island, formerly known as Mont-Tombe (Tomb Island), was connected to the mainland by a natural sandbar that only emerged at low tide and disappeared at high tide, creating the image of a beautiful oasis amidst the vast sea.
At that time, Bishop Aubert, who governed the Avranches diocese, had three dreams in which Saint-Michel appeared to him, requesting that a chapel be built on the island.
In 708, Bishop Aubert decided to build a small chapel dedicated to Saint Michael, as revealed in a dream, and renamed the island Mont-Saint-Michel.
Over the millennia, the small chapel has evolved into the Mont-Saint-Michel monastery, a place that has witnessed countless historical ups and downs.
After the monastery was burned down twice in 992 and 1204, at the beginning of the 13th century, King Philip Augustus decided to rebuild a new structure in the Gothic style, which remains almost intact to this day.
Set against the island's solid granite foundation, the monastery buildings are sturdily constructed in a Gothic style, featuring pointed arches, numerous round columns, and large windows, commonly seen in ancient churches and palaces across Europe.
The towers are connected by a circular colonnade surrounding a large atrium, with a lush green lawn.
Inside the monastery, visitors can admire ancient statues, reliefs, intricately embroidered flags, and elaborate sculptures, such as the statue of Saint-Michel conquering the ferocious dragon, or the wall relief depicting Saint-Michel appearing in Bishop Aubert's dream…
Situated at an altitude of approximately 80 meters above sea level, the Mont-Saint-Michel monastery resembles a giant lighthouse facing the Atlantic Ocean at high tide.
But at low tide, the monastery looks like a majestic fortress on the beach.
The only way to reach the island was through two small gates connected by a suspension bridge that could be raised by a pulley system, in case of enemy attack. The high, sturdy city wall, with a passageway in the middle, was built of large stone slabs, surrounding the island like an "impregnable" fortress.
The main road from the foot of the mountain to the monastery is called "Grande Rue" (Grand Street), but it is very small, narrow, and steep. On both sides are old houses with distinctive 15th-16th century architectural styles, built close together to form a cozy little neighborhood. There are also many restaurants here with unique architecture and distinctive local cuisine .
In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its long-standing historical and cultural value, as well as the unique blend of Gothic architecture and stunning natural beauty.
Today, this famous monastery welcomes around 3 million visitors each year and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in France, second only to the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
TH (according to Vietnam+)Source
Comment (0)