Abbaye de La Sauve- Majeure - Gironde, France

This renowned abbey (a National Monument  and UNESCO World Heritage site) was, founded in 1079 by the Benedictine monk Gerard de Corbie, the future Saint Gerard, in the heart of a large forest, and became a powerful institution, controlling numerous priories in Spain and England. It developed along with the popularity of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage, and became a major stop-off along the route.
The architecture of the 12th century abbey church was strongly influenced by the Saintonge style of
Romanesque art, and the edifice is remarkable for its vast chevet.  The main apse is flanked on either side by deep chapels, with which it communicates via spacious bay.
Each chapel is bordered by an absidiole opening on to the trmsept.  The Romanesque capitals in the chancel and the bay beneath the church tower are famed for their quality.  The vaulting of which only the beginnings of the cross ribbing survive  and the bell tower with its openings both date from the Gothic period.  Near the church lie the remains of a 13-century cloister, its chapter house and refectory.

Abbaye de La Sauve -Majeure
33670 La Sauve -Majeure

Tel:   +33 5 56 23 0 55

Fax:    +33 5 56 23 38 59

Abbaye de la Sauve-Majeure / Vue du clocher