Saint-Jean-d'Angély - Abbaye Royale

Saint-Jean-d'Angély developed next to the "Abbaye Royale", founded in the 9th century by Pepin I of Aquitaine to house the skull of Saint John the Baptist. Pepin was one of Louis the Pious´ rebellious sons, who deposed their father in 833.

During the Viking raids, they abbey was given up, but refounded thanks to Cluny. The abbey got wealthy and important, as most pilgrims, following the Via Turonensis stopped here. The abbey got looted during the 100 Years War and burned down during the Wars of Religion.

Rebuilt in the 17th and 18th century, the buildings of the former abbey now house the "Centre de Culture Européenne".

www.abbaye-royale-angely.com/abbaye/