The Grammont Priory is a former priory of the Grandmont Order, founded by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. It is located in Chassay, within the commune of Saint-Prouant.
Among the best-preserved and most complete priories of this order in France (only missing the cloister), it is owned by the Vendée department and open to visitors.
Long thought to have been founded by Richard the Lionheart in 1194, the actual foundation date of the priory is likely slightly later. The construction of the buildings occurred around the same time, circa 1200. The architecture, remarkably well-preserved, is very consistent.
The chapel's vault was replaced by the current framework in the 17th century. In 1772, the Grandmontain order was abolished by the commission of regulars, and the buildings were converted into an agricultural enterprise until they were acquired by the municipality in 1985.
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.