Saintes - Abbaye aux Dames

The Abbey of Sainte-Marie-des-Dames was the first Benedictine abbey for women Charente-Maritime. It was founded in 1047 by Geoffrey II (aka Geoffrey Martel"), Count of Anjou, and his first wife Agnes of Burgundy. Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of Richard Lionheart, was a great donor here.

WHere the abbey got erected, was a large Roman cemetery. Where the church is now, existed an Oratorium, over the tomb of Saint Palais, since the 6th century.

Saintes was a major halt for all the pilgrims following the Via Turonensis to Santiago, so the abbey developed well, during the first two centuries. During the 100 Year´s War the abbey got ruined, reconstructed later, it got severely damaged by Huguenots during the Wars of Religions.

The abbey existed up to the end of the 18th century. During the French Revolution some buildings got destroyed, the remaining ones served as prison and since 1808 as a barracks. The church was used as a stable for the horses of the cavalry. As there was no proper use for a Gothic cloister, it got demolished.

The barracks existed still in the early 1920s, but the first renovation of the complex was done from 1930 on. In 1938 the church got consecrated again.

After a complete renovation (1970-1988) the abbey now serves as a cultural center. Some of the former "cellae" are offered to tourists. Though the rooms are very basic, this is a great place to stay.

www.abbayeauxdames.org