The second most-visited sight in France Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel (often written Mont St Michel, with other variations) is a small UNESCO World Heritage site located on an island just off the coast of the northern French region of Normandy. The island is best known as the site of the spectacular and well-preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel at the peak of the rocky island, surrounded by the winding streets and convoluted architecture of the medieval town.
During the Hundred years War the fortifications of Mont St. Michel were reinforced (1420) and the Romanesque choir collapsed Construction of the present clever began in 1448. In 1622 the abbey became part of the Congregation of St. Maur; three western nave bays and the facade were destroyed and replaced with large terrace. The abbey was dissolved at the Revolution (1789-95), and it was used as a prison in the 19th.century. It was severely burnt in 1856, but thorough restorations were not undertaken until 1874.
The village that grew up and around the abbey lies huddled within the fortifications and includes a Romanesque parish church remolded in the 15 century. The fortifications include crenellated ramparts, towers and a 14th century barbican, which reinforce the abbey’s own defenses. The tower Claudine protects the monastery entrance.
St. Michael is a surety for freedom and thus this sanctuary also became a symbol of the allied landing in Normandy during the Second World War.Error processing request
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