Saint-Pierre et Saint- Paul de Cannea-Minervoa abbey - Pays Carcamonnaia

The Benedicitine abbey of Caunes - Minervois situated in the heart of the village of Counes, renowned for its red marble, was founded around 780, in the 11 C and 12C, the abbey experienced a period of prosperity under the protection of the Counts of Carcassone, and acquired substantial wealth during the Albigensian Crusade and the fight against the Cathar heresy in the region.  This period of growth was to last until the 14th C.  More difficult times followe uring the 15 C and 16C, after which the monastry ws reformed by the Benedictine congregation of Saint-Mour.  After the Revolution the abbey church became the parish church.   The chevet of the abbey church of Caunes- Minervois dates from the 11C. The decor of the rest of the church, with the exception of the 14 C vaults, belongs to the Romanasque period and dates from the 12 C.