Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm Abbey, Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm, France

The Abbey of Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm dates from 682 AD when it was constructed by Benedictine monks from Noirmoutier. It was destroyed by Vikings in 877 AD. The new church was completed in 1047.

In 1569, Protestants attacked it, killing approximately 200 monks. The motives for the attack are still debated, but one theory is that the attackers sought treasure and manuscripts hidden by the Bishop of Luçon.

The final destruction took place during the French Revolution when the abbey was confiscated and most of buildings destroyed.

User Reviews

Thib64 M (2 years ago)
Great place steeped in history. The guide was great ?.

Chantal Panem (2 years ago)
Interesting visit and brought to life by an enthusiastic, competent and caring young guide. To be completed with a visit to the André Deluol sculpture museum

Alain DECHAUX (2 years ago)
Very informative visit with a rather original living guide... if you are in the area, don't miss it to relive a moment in the history of France...

Vasseur Tiffany (2 years ago)
very pretty, guide Clément very nice, too bad not to see a little more.. but very interesting, my children liked it (10,7,4) to do!! and great low price

Louise FONTAINE (3 years ago)
A place worth the detour. Clément is an outstanding guide who makes the visit lively and interactive. I had a great time. I would like to thank him for the quality of his work.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm Abbey

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus