Reims - Abbey of Saint-Remi

The abbey was founded already in the sixth century. Since 1099 the relics of Saint Remi are kept here. Remi was the bishop of Reims who baptised Clovis, King of the Franks, in 496.

The abbey developed well and got very important. Charlemagne received Pope Leo III here. It was one of the richest convents in what is France today during the 9th century. From 780 to 945 the archbishops of Reims served as its abbots. Over centuries the "Holy Ampulla", holding the held the anointing oil for the coronation of the kings of France, was kept here. During the French Revolution the glass vial was publicly destroyed.

The present basilica was the abbey church, that was consecrated by Pope Leo IX in 1049. It was built "over the tomb" of Sait Remi. The nave, seen here, is 122m long - and 26m wide. The original vaulting got destroyed during WWI. The rebuilding process of the basilica was finally completed in 1958.

Standing in the choir, facing west. The tomb of Saint Remi to the left.
Here are as well the tombs of King Louis IV (aka "Transmarinus") and his son Lothair III of France.

Charlemagne´s younger brother (and rival) Carloman is buried here as well. Carloman died (under strange circumstances) only 20 years old in 771. The widow Gerperga fled with two kids into the Kingdom of the Lombards for protection. A few years later, they fell into the hands of Charlemagne´s soldiers. No news about them ever since..